In a previous article, we looked at the first reason why management training fails: It focuses on skill deficits rather than performance. In this article, we will focus on the second reason, and address the third and final reason in a following article.The second reason why management training fails is because it occurs outside of the managers’ organizational context and culture. When managers attend off-site workshops, the instructor does not know and cannot incorporate reference to the individual managers’ organizational policies or procedures. It is unreasonable to expect otherwise. Unless the training program provides opportunities for managers from the same company to work through planning and conducting simulated appraisal interviews, the training that the managers receive will be useful but possibly irrelevant.For example: Never having conducted performance evaluations before, two new managers attend a public workshop. They are interested in learning how to evaluate employee performance, how to monitor and document performance, and how to conduct a performance appraisal interview. Because the participating managers hail from different organizations, the instructor must use general examples. The managers find that the information and strategies they learn are very interesting. Unfortunately, they are inconsistent with their organizations’ performance management policies, procedures and proprietary performance evaluation forms.As a result, the managers have wasted their time, their energy, and their money. They are probably frustrated and confused, trying to reconcile what they learned with what they are expected to do when they conduct performance evaluations. They lack the necessary information and direction to confidently and effectively conduct evaluations of their employees. Therefore, they may complete performance ratings inconsistently and avoid giving their employees any performance feedback, be it appreciative or constructive. They will anticipate the time to conduct performance appraisal interviews with fear and trembling. Without direct guidance, useful feedback, or recognition for their accomplishments, their employees’ performance and morale may suffer.A better way: Ideally, human resources staff should provide management training that introduces and explains the organization’s performance management policies and procedures. The managers should learn about the forms they are supposed to use, the criteria they should apply, and the deadlines they have to meet. If they are uncomfortable with the conduct of an actual performance evaluation interview, human resources staff should arrange for in-house training, complete with simulated interviews.Tips: Recognize the importance of organizational context and culture on the actions that managers can take and the decisions that managers can make.· Make sure that their learning experiences incorporate the organizational context and culture.· An in-house management development program should be considered for new managers. In the case of performance evaluations, human resources staff could brief the managers on the policies, procedures, schedules and forms. Then, facilitated by an internal staff member, the managers could practice completing the forms and conducting simulated performance appraisal interviews.· If it is necessary for the managers to attend off-site public training programs, it is very helpful if the managers are able to attend briefings or watch agency videos that explain the policies, procedures and required forms prior to the program. After the training program, mentors or upper management could then debrief the managers and answer any questions that remain.How does your company ensure that what managers learn is consistent with your organizational culture and context?

Claims processing is an important business function for Insurance companies, public entities and risk managers. The claims have to be handled timely to ensure quick settlement leading to customer satisfaction. Claims processing software is beneficial as it helps to effectively manage and analyze information pertaining to claims. This software helps to automate the entire system of claims management by reducing the settlement time and enhancing the customer service. It provides faster and intuitive access to data records which help in making effective decisions.Functions of Claims Processing Software
The claims processing software is an effective designed to house complex data, notes, diaries and financial reporting. It performs the following functions:· Increase Effectiveness Of Managing Claims
This software manages the entire process starting from First Notice of Loss (FNOL) to final settlement. The software can easily capture appropriate information, document file activity, and maintain reports and correspondences pertaining to claims. The software provides faster access to data and helps employees to operate with efficiency. This software also allows tracking of claim processes performance resulting in improved process visibility. This increases the effectiveness of managing claims as they are quickly finalized and decisions are made faster. Various analytical tools in the software further increase the effectiveness of claims management.· Easy Documentation And Maintenance Facility
The claims processing software allows for documenting all file activity pertaining to claims. The reports and correspondences pertaining to claims are also maintained by the software document depository. All transactions are properly documented and stored which is useful for future reference.· Integration With Other Software Products
The software allows easy integration and supports other software products and office applications like Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel and even Outlook. Easy integration allows export/transfer of claims data, reports, and correspondences to other software. Easy integration allows efficient and faster claim handling.Advantages of Claims Processing Software
The claims processing software helps to effectively organize the entire claims processes. Some of the advantages include:· Reduces Administration And Errors With Manual Systems
The earlier systems of claims processing included manual systems where paper files were used to document everything. The claims software has automated the entire process of claim management reducing the need for administration required in manual systems. Even, as the entire process is automated the chances of occurrence of human error have been significantly reduced. Workflow processes and waypoints are automated.· Remote Accessibility And Confidentiality
This software allows easy remote accessibility to know the status of claims processes. The SQL database software supports Internet browser and other latest technologies to ensure secure remote accessibility. As the software handles sensitive personal and financial data of the claimants, it is important to keep it confidential. The data is kept confidential by ensuring filtered access rights, VPN and SSL Encryption.· Increases Productivity In Processing Claims
The claims processing software significantly eliminates the amount of time and labor involved in processing claims resulting in increased claim volume. The reduced claim processing time makes it easy for employees to quickly respond to customer queries. The software provides good visibility of the claim process which enables the users to make improvements and use enhanced resources to provide better results. The software also provides effective user friendly interface with contact sensitive help instructions and tutorials for various features which makes it easy to learn quickly.· Highly Secure
The claims information is kept secured and safe with the use of encrypted data and multi-level access passwords. Only those with user ID and password are authorized to access the system thus eliminating the chances of unauthorized access. The user activity is constantly tracked to ensure a secured network.The claims processing software can help the insurance companies and risk managers to reduce exposure, increase employee productivity, reduce the claim processing cycle time, and provide better customer service. The claims software helps insurers and risk managers to enhance the quality of service which gives a competitive edge over other companies.