UTOP

Acronym for Unifying Theory of Productivity, a trademarked program developed by Norman Bodek at Productivity Inc in May 1984, based on his research on productivity and management styles in the US, Japan and Europe.

If organizations can leverage the creativity of their workers, then management can do more strategy and planning work (what they should really be doing), instead of threatening and manipulating their workers to produce. The job is to be a coach (like a sports team), to help the workers (players) be successful in the work area (playing field).

In addition, workers that are more satisfied at work are more efficient and effective at their job.

He proposed a Creative Improvement Suggestion System (CISS) to involve the worker in their work, and provide a mechanism to help inspire their creativity. World class companies receive 2-30 suggestions per month per employee, whereas many traditional companies receive 0-1 suggestions per year. The job of manager switches from managing people to managing their ideas.

Basic principles of the CISS program include:

• Participation should be voluntary
• The participants should agree on the essential elements of the suggestion
  form
• Suggesters should get immediate feedback from their supervisors
• Evaluation must be fair
• The supervisor must have access to the resources necessary to implement suggestions
• Improvements should be installed by the person closest to the problem
• Awards and other forms of recognition should be granted to the employee

Links

• Unifying Theory of Productivity (UTOP^TM) – May 1984 Productivity Newsletter