A newspaper I was recently reading described the value of open books and several Internet and software companies that use it. Open books refers to posting of all employee wages and all internal financial data for employees... occasionally for the public.
From its earliest date, I have been a strong advocate of open books. It is part of transparency and I have advocated jt in my published business books. I posted the internal financial data for the non-profit I managed near the front door.
In order to have open books it is necessary to start the business that way. I have found great resistance to letting everyone in a company know employee wages after the business is running. The same is true for financial statements at the point where management has become accustomed to keeping the knowledge to themselves.
There are many reasons why open books make a more efficient and productive business.
First, there is always a potential in most businesses for interpersonal jealousy, antagonism and time wasted in discussions about wages. This disappears when all wage material is open to everyone in the company.
Second, as various departments come to understand the functions of other departments and see the core data, they are much more able to cooperate and be supportive. When manufacturing knows the details of sales everyone benefits.
Third, the managerial milieu becomes significantly more cooperative and friendly in an open books environment. Employee turnover is reduced, management skills are elevated and output is measurably improved.
When starting a business a commitment to open books is a positive element improving the chances of success.
From its earliest date, I have been a strong advocate of open books. It is part of transparency and I have advocated jt in my published business books. I posted the internal financial data for the non-profit I managed near the front door.
There are many reasons why open books make a more efficient and productive business.
First, there is always a potential in most businesses for interpersonal jealousy, antagonism and time wasted in discussions about wages. This disappears when all wage material is open to everyone in the company.
Second, as various departments come to understand the functions of other departments and see the core data, they are much more able to cooperate and be supportive. When manufacturing knows the details of sales everyone benefits.
Third, the managerial milieu becomes significantly more cooperative and friendly in an open books environment. Employee turnover is reduced, management skills are elevated and output is measurably improved.
When starting a business a commitment to open books is a positive element improving the chances of success.