3 Aspects of Employeehip

Employeeship occurs at the intersection of the employees' responsibility, initiative, and loyalty.

When an employee makes a wholehearted and goal oriented effort within the three success areas (productivity, relations, quality) of the organization, a special kind of personal commitment is demonstrated – this commitment can be called “employeeship” (Moller, 1994). When all employees are deeply committed to the survival and development of the organization and thus demonstrate employeeship, the organization can be said to have an “employeeship culture”.

Since employeeship describes what it takes to be a good employee, it is important to have an idea of what is necessary to become a good employee. Understanding this will help a person to develop into a good employee and for an organization to establish an "employeeship culture."

It is impossible to describe every action, thought, or behavior of a good employee, but Moller (1994) defines some aspects of a good employee: An employee

• is punctual and keeps agreements.
• is flexible and willing to change.
• is helpful and cooperative across the organization.
• does not spread rumors.
• demonstrates interest, respect and consideration for others.
• is costconscious and does not waste organization resources.
• defends his colleagues and the organization against attacks.
• is professionally competent.
• is open and honest.
• has the courage of his convictions.
• learns from mistakes and does not repeat them.
• is goal-oriented and efficient.
• has self-discipline and stamina
• works consciously to maintain and develop quality.
• is organized in his work and is well groomed.
• sees the challenge in his work.
• is proud to be part of the organization.

Many of these characteristics may seem to be general and intangible and are therefore difficult with which to work. Therefore, these characteristics are wrapped up in responsibility, initiative, and loyalty (see diagram above). These three concepts are characteristic of the attitude and behavior of people who are “good employees." Employeeship concerns everyone in the organization, whether they are top managers, middle managers or staff. All staff should have an employeeship attitude: i.e. responsibility, loyalty, and initiative. When this is the case, the organization can be said to have an employeeship culture (Himanshu, 2012).

Personal Application -- Are you a "good employee"?

How would you rate yourself on each of the three characteristic and on the list of employee aspects?
How would your superiors and co-workers rate you on these?
Does your company have a culture of employeeship?
What area of employeeship do you need to improve?

Employeeship is viewed from two perspectives--the perspective of the employer and the perspective of the employee. These perspectives are shared, meaning that the employer and employee know and respect the perspective of the other. This shared perspective is required for establishing a culture of employeeship, and good communication is required to make this cultural change.

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Himanshu, S. (2012). Competitive advantage through employeeship: A conceptual perspective. International Journal of Management Sciences, 1(4), 16-25.

Moller, C. (1994). Employeeship: The necessary prerequisite for empowerment. Empowerment in Organizations, 2(2), 4-13.

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