Competent managers not computer surveillance makes business sense says the Chamber
08/02/2008
Competent management at all levels, not ‘Big Brother’ computer surveillance systems, is the answer to increased productivity says the Chamber. The Chamber, which represents businesses in Bedfordshire and Luton, was responding to news that Microsoft have applied for the US patent for a system that can monitor employee performance via laptops, PCs and even mobile phones.
'It's one thing to monitor performance, and of course there are any number of ethical and legal issues around this kind of monitoring, but it's what you do with the information you collect that really matters' says Richard Lacy, Chief Executive of the Chamber.
'Surveillance and cracking the whip isn't the solution and indeed can be counterproductive creating a bad atmosphere and reducing productivity. It's far more important to ensure that you have great, well-trained managers who can get the most out of staff, identify any problems and seek sustainable, sensible solutions.'
Training and developing existing and future managers is at the heart of the Chamber's own activity. Under the Train to Gain scheme, employees can train to be effective first line managers, working towards an NVQ level 2 in Team Leading, while training for those at board and chief executive level is available via the Leadership and Management programme.
Concludes Richard Lacy:
'Computers have their place but are no substitute for well-trained, dedicated managers'
