In our quest for efficiency, are we losing compassion?
Jamie Gruman, Ph.D., professor of organisational behaviour at the University of Guelph in Canada, discusses some of the ways technology is distancing us from other people and how this can harm employees. Gruman explains why this era of urgency and efficiency, aided by technological advancements, threatens to further dehumanise and objectify workforces and describes ways this is happening in businesses. He talks about the research he and Alan Saks, Ph.D., professor of organisational behaviour and human resources management at the University of Toronto Scarborough), have done. That research concludes that work cultures focused on care are necessary for good management and satisfied employees. Gruman also highlights one commonly held “naive belief” preventing the development of more compassionate practices in the workplace. What you’ll learn from this episode: § Different ways technology can dehumanise and objectify employees at work. § Why creating a caring work environment should be simple. § One shared falsehood that stops organisations from implementing caring cultures. § The role of leadership in demonstrating and rewarding care. § The interplay between work culture and employees’ relationship with technology. § How employees are resisting algorithms that threaten their autonomy.
--------
16:14
--------
16:14
Levelling the hiring field: Strategy, equity, and AI’s ‘black box’
Ben Schwencke, chief psychologist at Test Partnership, a psychometric assessment and pre-employment testing service provider in the UK, joined the FM podcast to discuss common recruitment challenges facing employers, what psychometric testing entails and how it's implemented, and the use of artificial intelligence in recruitment practices. In an earlier FM episode, an expert discussed how businesses are eager to embark on AI initiatives despite remaining wary of its pitfalls. What you’ll learn from this episode: Why an assessment of recruitment challenges in a business depends on who you talk to in the organisation. An explanation of psychometric testing and common concerns companies may have in using such testing. Why Schwencke considers it beneficial for job candidates to be allowed to take a practice test version of a psychometric assessment. The “two sides” to the use of AI in the recruitment process. Why recruitment methods should include tools that both incorporate AI and are resistant to it, according to Schwencke.
--------
15:57
--------
15:57
The office and productivity: Changing work models isn’t enough
Bayport Financial Services’ CEO Alfred Ramosedi, FCMA, CGMA, explains why having employees return to the office is not enough to improve productivity and why leaders should transparently explain expectations of workers. Ramosedi details the benefits for organisations that are intentional about bringing employees back to the office, where morale could be affected by return-to-office policies, and what three things senior leaders can do to drive productivity across all work models and environments. What you’ll learn from this episode: § Four reasons companies are asking employees to return to the office. § Why leaders need to understand and communicate how they intend to measure productivity. § Three possible advantages for companies’ bringing employees back to the office. § Morale concerns that could arise from return-to-office policies. § The importance of rewarding employees with flexible working arrangements. § Three things leaders can consider to drive productivity across all work models.
--------
16:31
--------
16:31
The power of persuasion and how to channel it at work
Author Mike Drayton, a clinical psychologist and leadership coach at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School, explores attributes professionals can build on to be more persuasive at work, key distinctions between persuasion and manipulation, and examples of coercion in the workplace. He also explains why expanding influence in the workplace is less about “clever words or phrases” and more about exhibiting expertise and reliability. On 8 May, Drayton is scheduled to speak on influencing and persuasion skills at AICPA & CIMA’s 2025 CPD 360 Annual Conference at the Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement in the UK. Last July on the FM podcast, he shared tips for managing burnout, including how to adopt firm boundaries to prioritise wellbeing. What you’ll learn from this episode: § Some differences between influence and persuasion. § Attributes and behaviours that can make us more persuasive. § Distinctions between persuasion and manipulation. § How to spot and respond to coercive tactics in the workplace. § Two fundamental traits that make us more respected at work. § Questions to help professionals identify their strengths and weaknesses.
--------
13:40
--------
13:40
April FM: Gen AI adoption, use, and ethics; tips to avoid burnout
This episode features Oliver Rowe, FM’s editor-in-chief, detailing the contents of the magazine’s April digital edition. The discussion highlights articles on artificial intelligence (AI), including one that advises how finance can steer AI adoption. Rowe also details the key points of an article on understanding and avoiding burnout and discusses April’s regular columns. Also included: an explanation of how members can access the April digital edition as well as the issue library. What you’ll learn from this episode: · The edition’s focus on AI and explanation of three AI-related articles. · Advice from regular FM writer Rhymer Rigby on avoiding burnout. · A practical Excel article: How to create a chart template in Excel. · The other articles in the edition, including regular columns, a Q&A with Association CEO Mark Koziel, CPA, CGMA, and Institute News. · Ways to access the April edition.
The Financial Management (FM) magazine podcast series features conversations with executives and thought leaders in management accounting. We discuss topics including governance, risk management, performance management, technology, corporate strategy, and leadership. Interviews are conducted by FM editors and contributors.
South Africa