Creating
Commitment
Michael
O'Malley (William M. Mercer, Incorporated)
Contrary
to popular belief, most people truly desire to commit to the organizations for which they
work. Just as most of us would prefer not to drift from one relationship to the next, the
majority of workers would rather not live like corporate gypsies. So why, at a time when
employee retention is so critical to success, do so many businesses find it hard to hold
on to their best people? Why, despite the perks, bonuses, and all the other
"goodies" with which companies attempt to create employee commitment, does
turnover continue to be such a serious problem?
In this
groundbreaking book, Michael O'Malley an acknowledged expert with more than two decades
of experience helping the Fortune 500 attract and retain the brightest and best provides
answers to these questions. More importantly, he spells out proven strategies for
fostering solid employee/employer relationships that last.
Deftly
interweaving personal insight, case histories, and the latest research in the field,
O'Malley explores the nature of employee commitment. He shows how many of the same needs
and passions that bind people to one another in their personal
lives
also bind employees to managers and organizations. O'Malley describes the roles played
by factors such as compatibility, trust, predictability, dependability, sensitivity to
individual needs, and a willingness to compromise. He explains why organizations
invariably fail when they attempt to buy employee commitment. Conversely, while more money
is the most commonly cited reason for employee defection, O'Malley reveals that the real
reasons often have to do with neglect, distrust, burn-out, inconsiderateness, and other
nonmonetary considerations.
The
lion's share of Creating Commitment is devoted to detailing a practical approach to
building commitment in your organization. O'Malley describes specific attitudes and
behaviors that either encourage or discourage commitment and provides guidelines for
assessing your company's standing on commitment. He also outlines specific steps you can
take to find and hire employees who are compatible with your corporate culture; to foster
a sense of belonging among employees; to build trust and reciprocity; to promote economic
interdependence; and much more.
A
complete guide to understanding and overcoming one of the greatest challenges to business
success today, Creating Commitment is must reading for every manager.
Advance
Praise for Michael O'Malley's Creating Commitment
"Michael O'Malley
has found the key to employee retention commitment! He has taken a rigorous,
research-based approach to understanding employee commitment and its implications for
organization health, while using examples and comparisons from everyday life to make his
insights accessible to all. The result is a must-read book for any leader concerned about
keeping the best employees." Dr.
Susan Gale, Vice President, Change Management and Human Resources, Howrey Simon Arnold
& White
"Michael O'Malley
has created a work of great insight that all professionals charged with attracting,
retaining, and developing the leaders of today and tomorrow will want to read." Corey
Seitz, Senior Vice President, Executive Development, Bank of America Corporation
"The two most
important human aspects of organizations today are trust and commitment. Creating
Commitment covers both and is loaded with stories and examples that are both readable and
timely. O'Malley's contribution to today's business leaders is truly a gift." Dr. W.
Warner Burke, Chair, Department of Organization and Leadership, Teachers College, Columbia
University
"This is an important
book for companies seeking a competitive advantage. Read Creating Commitment, and you'll
know how to build lasting bonds with the employees you want most to keep." Matt
Broder, Communications Executive, Otis Elevator Company
329 pages