Enterprise transformation needs to focus on people

CEBU, Philippines -  â€œIf you want to succeed in managing your enterprises, you have to focus on people inside your organization when adapting to change in the workplace and business.”

This is according to Ancilla Enterprise Development Consulting chairperson and chief executive officer Tita Puangco who have helped local and global companies manage enterprise development for 23 years in the industry.

Puangco describes enterprise transformation as a strategy to sustain sustainability and effectiveness in the global age.

She, however, pointed out the challenge for businesses on how to remain “respectful of the human person” who is considered to be the key asset and resource of the enterprise.

When handling change in the workplace, Puangco said that owners need to recognize that the labor force need special attention and assistance since implementing and adapting to change may be critical for the latter.

In order to be successful in managing change, she said that companies should focus on the general welfare of their employees and ensure that the other party gets enough support from the management.

She added that executives and managers should be trained to handle the change process with extra care for the people affected especially when attending to exceptional and special cases.

“We believe in the ability of people to transform themselves. We know that different people manage change differently. Thus, respecting the dignity of your manpower means honoring the resilience of your people as they undergo change,” Puangco stated during the recently-concluded Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) Business Summit 2013.

She cited that good governance, corporate responsibility and reputation and image are the factors that are good for the organization when undergoing transformation while most employees are concerned with their salary, career growth and job continuity when their companies undertake change.

“While the business must demonstrate responsible management of its people, it should also contribute to the common good of the community. Companies also have to remember that the unethical conduct of people can tarnish company reputation and image,” she explained.

Admitting that downsizing could be a major change in the business that could also affect the lives of employees, Puangco pointed out that companies should learn to manage complex change and implement interventions so as not to cause further damage.

She also noted that companies must facilitate “change and care” assistance for those employees who will have to leave and those who will stay in the business.

She said that employers must exercise sensitivity towards their people experiencing radical change, provide a “helping hand” and act as bridge as they move forward.

Puangco further advised enterprises to develop transformation plans with management team and install project management in planned implementation. /JOB (FREEMAN)