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Chapter 7
Managing Change and
Innovation
Change is a constant for organizations and thus for managers. Because change can’t be
eliminated, managers must learn how to manage it successfully. Because innovation is
often closely tied to an organization’s change efforts, managers must know how to
manage it as well. Focus on the following learning objectives as you read and study this
chapter.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Change takes us out of our comfort zone. But to survive and thrive in your career,
you’re going to have to be change ready. As you’ll see throughout this chapter, change
is inevitable. So, the more easily you can adapt . . . the more successful, appreciated,
and happier you’ll be. Here are some suggestions for you to overcome your resistance
to change:
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CHAPTER OUTLINE
INTRODUCTION
Change and change management are important aspects of the manager’s job.
Chapter 7 focuses on ways to manage change effectively and to promote
innovation in an organization.
Internal forces creating change usually originate from the internal operations of
the organization or from the impact of external changes. These internal forces
include:
1. Changes in strategy
2. Changes in the workforce
3. New equipment
4. Changes in employee attitudes
A. Two Views of the Change Process. Two very different metaphors can
be used to describe the change process.
1. The calm waters metaphor characterizes the process of change
as being like a ship crossing a calm sea. The calm waters
metaphor can be illustrated by Lewin’s 3-step process for change
(see Exhibit 7-2).
a. Unfreezing the equilibrium is the first step. Unfreezing the
equilibrium can be accomplished in one of three ways:
1. Increasing driving forces, which are forces that direct
behavior away from the status quo.
2. Decreasing restraining forces, which are forces that hinder
movement from the existing equilibrium.
3. Combining the two approaches.
b. The next step is to implement the change itself.
c. The final step is to refreeze the situation.
B. The white-water rapids metaphor describes change that takes place in
uncertain and dynamic environments. To put the two views into
perspective, it is helpful to note that not every manager constantly faces a
world of chaotic change. However, the number of managers who do not
face this type of environment is rapidly dwindling!
Talk About It 2: What obstacles do these initiatives face and how can managers
overcome those obstacles?
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2. Innovation is taking creative ideas and turning them into useful
products or work methods.
B. Stimulating and Nurturing Innovation
How can managers foster innovation? The systems model shows how to
foster innovation. (See Exhibit 7-9) Three sets of variables have been
found to stimulate innovation.
1. Structural variables can be summarized as follows:
a. Organic structures positively influence innovation.
b. The easy availability of organizational resources provides a
critical building block for innovation.
c. Frequent communication among work units helps to break
down barriers to innovation.
d. Minimize time pressures on creative activities.
e. Provide explicit support for creating work and nonwork
sources.
2. Cultural variables show that an innovative culture is likely to have
the following characteristics:
a. Acceptance of ambiguity
b. Tolerance of the impractical
c. Low external controls
d. Tolerance of risk
e. Tolerance of conflict
f. Focus on ends rather than means
g. An open systems focus
h. Positive feedback
i. Exhibit empowering leadership
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Design thinking can provide a process for coming up with things that don’t
exist. When a business approaches innovation with a design thinking
mentality, the emphasis is on getting a deeper understanding of what
customers need and want. It entails knowing customers as real people
with real problems—not just as sales targets or demographic statistics.
But it also entails being able to convert those customer insights into real
and usable products.
7-1. Contrast the calm waters and white-water rapids metaphors of change.
According to the calm waters scenario, an occasional disruption (a “storm”) means
changing to deal with the disruption. On the other hand, the white-water rapids
metaphor implies a dynamic environment with constantly changing paradigms and high
levels of competition. (LO: 1, Compare and contrast views on the change process,
AACSB: Analytical thinking)
7-3. Describe how managers might change structure, technology, and people.
To change structure, management can change structural components (i.e. jobs could be
combined or levels eliminated). More rules and procedures could be implemented to
increase standardization or employees could be empowered to make decisions so
decision-making could be faster.
Technology can be changed by changing the processes by which employees work to
make them more efficient (i.e. the introduction of scientific management techniques).
Technology can be changed by introducing of new equipment, tools, or methods. Also,
companies are becoming more technologically advanced by incorporating automation
and/or computerization into their production lines.
Changing people involves changing attitudes, expectations, perceptions, and
behaviors. This can be done through organizational development initiatives that focus
on people and the nature and quality of interpersonal work relationships. (LO: 2, Classify
types of organizational change, AACSB: Analytical thinking)
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If the low-level employee is a low-level manager, it is possible that he or she could act as
a change analyst, just as any manager can be a change agent. However, it is important
to note that change should begin at the top and work its way down. Change is most
successful when it is supported by top management. Also, it is important to remember
that as organizations empower employees, they may empower them as change agents.
(LO: 3, Explain how to manage resistance to change, AACSB: Analytical thinking)
7-5. How are opportunities, constraints, and demands related to stress? Give an
example of each.
This question can be made more personal for students by relating it to class
assignments. Have students give an example of an instance when faculty members
have provided students with opportunities, constraints, and/or demands in preparing
assignments. Ask students to identify the level of stress they felt. Encourage a
discussion about the different levels of stress felt by different students. For example, the
opportunity to be creative in giving a group presentation may be considered an exciting
challenge to one student, while completely overwhelming another student. (LO: 3,
Explain how to manage resistance to change, AACSB: Analytical thinking)
7-6. Planned change is often thought to be the best approach to take in organizations.
Can unplanned change ever be effective? Explain.6.1 7.5
Student answers will likely vary. To generate discussion, you might ask students to think
about the plans they have for this evening, or this weekend. Then ask what would
happen if a friend called and suddenly offered them an opportunity to attend an event or
to go visit another location. Would they do it? How could this situation be compared with
unplanned organizational change? (LO: 4, Discuss contemporary issues in managing
change, AACSB: Analytical thinking)
7-7. Organizations typically have limits to how much change they can absorb. As a
manager, what signs would you look for that might suggest that your organization has
exceeded its capacity to change?
A sign that an organization may have exceeded its capacity to change includes an
increasing level of resistance to change. If changes are negatively impacting employee
work performance and behavior, the manager may discern that the organization has
exceeded its capacity to change. Excessive levels of stress among employees is
another indication that an organization is changing too rapidly. (LO: 4, Discuss
contemporary issues in managing change, AACSB: Analytical thinking)
7-8. Innovation requires allowing people to make mistakes. However, being wrong too
many times can be disastrous to your career. Do you agree? Why or why not? What are
the implications for nurturing innovation?
This question offers an opportunity to set up a debate in class. Ask half of the students in
the class to argue that being wrong can be fatal, and have the remaining half of the class
argue that being wrong does not have to be fatal. Students must, however, understand
and be able to incorporate the relationship between nurturing innovation and “punishing”
failure. If an organization punishes employees for failing, employees will cease to “take a
chance” on a new innovation, and innovative activity will decline. (LO: 5 Describe
techniques for stimulating innovation, AACSB: Analytical thinking)
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PERSONAL INVENTORY ASSESSMENTS
ETHICS DILEMMA
Stress management and counseling can be an important aid for employees. In this
dilemma, students are asked to address why employees would not take advantage of
these benefits. The authors mention a paradox that exists; employees are experiencing
stress but they feel that they don’t want to admit to being stressed (which may make the
stress even worse). Students are encouraged to think of ways to change the perception
of stress management programs and to get employees to participate. Some companies
use EAP programs that keep employees’ names confidential. Another way to take away
the stigma of stress management programs may take the opposite approach and have
employees write testimonials of their benefits. These could be published in a company
newsletter (again with the names confidential).
This case also asks students to consider if organizations have an ethical responsibility to
help employees deal with stress? The simple answer to this question is yes. For many
employees it is the stressful nature of the job that causes employees’ poor behavior at
work, which can spill over into their home life. (LO: 3, Explain how to manage resistance
to change, AACSB: Ethical understanding and reasoning abilities)
In this exercise, students are asked to work on personal skills that will help make them
better change agents. Change management is a necessary skill for two reasons, first
managers are always making changes and second employees almost always resist
change. (LO: 4, Discuss contemporary issues in managing change, AACSB: Reflective
thinking)
In groups of three to four, have students create a plan for an accounting firm changing
from Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to the International Financial
Reporting Standards (IFRS). Students should use the following two topic areas to guide
the change: (1) using communication channels to engage and inform employees, and (2)
building needed skills and capabilities. Students should take into account that GAAP is
ingrained into the accounting profession and change will not be easy. To make the
change necessary, any plans must incorporate education and communication (why are
the new standards necessary and what do they entail), participation (getting employees
involved in the change process where they are allowed to be involved in decision-
making), and facilitation and support (making sure that information and training is
available).
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After the groups have developed a written plan, they should share with the rest of the
class. (LO: 4, Discuss contemporary issues in managing change, AACSB: Analytical
thinking)
MY TURN TO BE A MANAGER
• Take responsibility for your own future career path. Don’t depend on your
employer to provide you with career development and training opportunities.
Right now, sign up for things that will help you enhance your skills—workshops,
seminars, continuing education courses, and so on. (LO: 4, Discuss
contemporary issues in managing change, AACSB: Analytical thinking)
• Pay attention to how you handle change. Try to figure out why you resist certain
changes and not others. (LO: 1, Compare and contrast views on the change
process, AACSB: Analytical thinking)
• Pay attention to how others around you handle change. When friends or family
members resist change, practice using different approaches to managing this
resistance to change. (LO: 3, Explain how to manage resistance to change,
AACSB: Analytical thinking)
• When you find yourself experiencing dysfunctional stress, write down what’s
causing the stress, what stress symptoms you’re exhibiting, and how you’re
dealing with the stress. Keep this information in a journal and evaluate how well
your stress reducers are working and how you could handle stress better. Your
goal is to get to a point where you recognize that you’re stressed and can take
positive actions to deal with the stress. (LO: 3, Explain how to manage resistance
to change, AACSB: Analytical thinking)
• Complete the skill building modules Managing Resistance to Change and Solving
Problems Creatively found on mymanagementlab. (LO: 3, Explain how to
manage resistance to change, AACSB: Analytical thinking)
• Choose two organizations that you’re familiar with and assess whether they face
calm waters or white-water rapids environments. Write a short report, describing
these organizations and your assessment of the change environment each faces.
Be sure to explain your choice of change environment. (LO: 1, Compare and
contrast views on the change process, AACSB: Analytical thinking)
• In your own words, write down three things you learned in this chapter about
being a good manager. (LO: 1, Compare and contrast views on the change
process, AACSB: Analytical thinking) (LO: 2, Classify types of organizational
change, AACSB: Analytical thinking) (LO: 3, Explain how to manage resistance
to change, AACSB: Analytical thinking) (LO: 4, Discuss contemporary issues in
managing change, AACSB: Analytical thinking) (LO: 5 Describe techniques for
stimulating innovation, AACSB: Analytical thinking)
7-13. What do you think of UA’s approach to innovation? Would you expect to see this
type of innovation in an athletic wear company? Explain.
Most students will see UA as a progressive company that is trying to stay on the cutting
edge of innovation in the apparel industry. With the introduction of a variety of new
product lines, UA is making a statement by competing against companies like Nike and
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Adidas. Each year those product lines must be updated and new features added. This
makes the athletic wear industry very competitive as companies try to capture the latest
innovation and customer attention. (LO: 5 Describe techniques for stimulating
innovation, AACSB: Analytical thinking)
7-14. What do you think UA’s culture might be like in regards to innovation? (Hint: refer
to the list on page 198.)
UA would be considered both an innovative and a culture responsive culture. The
characteristics of an innovative culture are challenge and involvement, freedom, trust
and openness, idea time, playfulness/humor, conflict resolution, debates, and risk-
taking. A customer-responsive culture has five characteristics: outgoing and friendly
employees; jobs with few rigid rules, procedures, and regulations; empowerment; clear
roles and expectations; and employees who are conscientious in their desire to please
the customer. (LO: 5 Describe techniques for stimulating innovation, AACSB: Analytical
thinking)
7-15. Could design thinking help UA improve its innovation efforts? Discuss.
From the case, it appears that UA is currently using design thinking to improve products
for the industry. As stated by the founder, UA is determined to conquer the “next layer”
and the company is currently working on a number of innovative products. (LO: 5
Describe techniques for stimulating innovation, AACSB: Analytical thinking)
7-16. What’s your interpretation of the company’s philosophy posted prominently over
the door of its design studio? What does it say about innovation?
The slogan, “We have not yet built our defining product” is a sign to employees that
innovation is a constant process in the organization. As a company, they do not want to
rest on selling their existing products, but continually refine and push the boundaries for
new products. This is at the heart of innovation and constant improvement, the idea of
creative destruction – that existing products are replaced by better products through
innovation. (LO: 5 Describe techniques for stimulating innovation, AACSB: Analytical
thinking)
7-17. What could other companies learn from the way UA innovates?
As a fairly new company, UA is an example of what an entrepreneur can accomplish
through hard work and perseverance. Not being afraid to enter a market dominated by
companies like Nike, Plank has established a high level of brand recognition and
customer loyalty by providing high quality products that meet the needs of customers.
(LO: 5 Describe techniques for stimulating innovation, AACSB: Analytical thinking)
7-18. What is your reaction to the situation described in this case? What factors, both
inside the company and externally, appear to have contributed to this situation?
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Students may take the side of employees, the organization, or they may see the
situation looking from both perspectives. From the employees’ perspective, they may
see the destructive power that organizations have over their employees. The suicides in
this case are a result of what the company has done by creating a stressful work
environment and the policies that may have ultimately led to employees feeling
depressed. From the company’s perspective, the causes of employee depression could
be attributed to many factors external to the organization, i.e. competitive nature of work,
economic conditions leading to underemployment, and poor employee self-esteem.
Looking at this situation from both perspectives, we can see that both internal and
external factors could be to blame for the employees’ behavior. (LO: 3, Explain how to
manage resistance to change, AACSB: Analytical thinking)
7-19. What appeared to be happening in the France Télécom’s workplace? What stress
symptoms might have alerted managers to a problem?
It appears that Télécom’s leadership was exerting pressure on their employees by
exerting high levels of task demands and by changing the organization’s structure to
produce higher levels of productivity. There are many warning signs to stress that most
managers should recognize including decreased job satisfaction, poor organizational
commitment, higher turnover and absenteeism, increased number of accidents, and
poor communication. Other symptoms that most managers are not usually trained to
see include depression, fatigue, and burnout. (LO: 3, Explain how to manage resistance
to change, AACSB: Analytical thinking)
7-20. Should managers be free to make decisions that are in the best interests of the
company without worrying about employee reactions? Discuss. What are the
implications for managing change?
The key words in the first question are “without worrying about employee reactions.”
Management actions will not always be well received by employees. There is no good
way to lay off or fire an employee. Many management decisions are made from the
standpoint of what has to be done to ensure organizational survival and discipline.
However, the idea that management would not worry about the reactions is far from the
truth of what happens in organizations. Managers should always take into account how
employees will react to their decisions – if not, then execution of those decisions could
be affected. With regard to change, in general, employees do not like change. Any plan
by management that changes the status quo should be evaluated to see how it would be
received by employees and ways to mitigate negative employee reactions should be
considered. (LO: 3, Explain how to manage resistance to change, AACSB: Analytical
thinking)
7-21. What are France Télécom’s executives doing to address the situation? Do you
think it’s enough? Are there other actions they might take? If so, describe those actions.
If not, why not?
According to the case, Télécom is working to rebuild the morale of staff and they have
halted the workplace practices identified as being particularly disruptive. The CEO has
also changed company policy on transfers and began encouraging more supportive
practices, including working from home. Other programs that Télécom could implement
involve stress reduction techniques, such as providing yoga classes, wellness programs,
and providing employees with counseling (i.e. an employee assistance program or EAP).
(LO: 3, Explain how to manage resistance to change, AACSB: Analytical thinking)
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7-22. What could other companies and managers learn from this situation?
What happened at Télécom is a sobering reminder about the negative effects of stress.
In addition, these behaviors are not limited to one company or country. Suicides and
homicides by employees are common occurrences in the United States. Companies
should be prepared and have policies in place to deal with employees who exhibit out of
the ordinary behavior. Counseling and stress reduction programs should be in place for
organizations where employees are exposed to high levels of stress. (LO: 3, Explain
how to manage resistance to change, AACSB: Analytical thinking)
The article “20/20 Change Agent” describes Valerio’s four-point plan for facilitating
change successfully in a large corporation. This article provides an excellent application
of organizational change tools and strategies to reinforce concepts presented in Chapter
13. The article, written by Bill Breen and Cheryl Dahle, can be found in FastCompany,
Issue 30, December 1999, page 402.
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remembered as having been at his post when the storm blew
loudest.
The argument of the case having terminated, the issue was, in the
first place, left to the decision of the twenty-four who had been
selected for that purpose, and they thereupon retired to consult.
Judge Byam, who shouldered the responsibility of the whole
proceeding, will never be forgotten by those in whose behalf he
courted certain, deadly peril, and probable death.
The Jury were absent, deliberating on their verdict, but little less
than half an hour, and on their return, twenty-three made a report
that Ives was proven guilty; but one member—Henry Spivey—
declined to give in any finding, for unknown reasons.
The crisis of the affair had now arrived. A motion was made, “That
the report of the committee be received, and it discharged from
further consideration of that case,” which Mr. Thurmond opposed;
but upon explanation, deferred pressing his objections until the
motion should be made to adopt the report, and to accept the verdict
of the Committee as the judgment of the people there assembled;
and thus the first formal motion passed without opposition.
Before this, some of the crowd were clamorous for an
adjournment, and now Ives’ friends renewed the attempt; but it met
with signal failure.
Another motion, “That the assembly adopt as their verdict the
report of the Committee,” was made, and called forth the
irrepressible and indefatigable Thurmond and Col. J. M. Wood; but it
carried, there being probably not more than one hundred votes
against it.
Here it was supposed by many that the proceedings would end for
the present, and that the Court would adjourn until the morrow, as it
was already dark. Col. Sanders, however, mounted the wagon, and,
having recited that Ives had been declared a murderer and a robber
by the people there assembled, moved, “That George Ives be
forthwith hung by the neck until he is dead”—a bold and business-
like movement which excited feeble opposition, was carried before
the defendant seemed to realize the situation; but a friend or two and
some old acquaintances having gained admission to the circle within
which Ives was guarded, to bid him farewell, awakened him to a
sense of the condition in which he was placed, and culprit and
counsel sought to defer the execution. Some of his ardent counsel
shed tears, of which lachrymose effusions it is well to say no more
than that they were copious. The vision of a long and scaly creature,
inhabiting the Nile, rises before us in connection with this aqueous
sympathy for an assassin. Quite a number of his old chums were, as
Petroleum V. Nasby says: “Weeping profoosly.” Then came moving
efforts to have the matter postponed until the coming morning, Ives
giving assurances, upon his honor, that no attempt at rescue or
escape would be made; but already, Davis and Hereford were
seeking a favorable spot for the execution.
Our Legislative Assembly seem to have forgotten that Mr. A. B.
Davis had any of these arduous labors to perform but none who
were present will ever forget the fearless activity which he displayed
all through those trials. A differently constituted body may yet sit in
Montana, and vote him his five hundred dollars.
The appeals made by Ives and Thurmond for a delay of the
execution, were such as human weakness cannot well resist. It is
most painful to be compelled to deny even a day’s brief space,
during which the criminal may write to mother and sister, and receive
for himself such religious consolation as the most hardened desire,
under such circumstances; but that body of men had come there
deeply moved by repeated murders and robberies, and meant
“business.” The history of former trials was there more freshly and
more deeply impressed upon the minds of men than it is now, and
the result of indecision was before their eyes. The most touching
appeal from Ives, as he held the hand of Col. Sanders, lost its force
when met by the witheringly sarcastic request of one of the crowd,
“Ask him how long a time he gave the Dutchman.” Letters were
dictated by him and written by Thurmond. His will was made, in
which the lawyers and his chums in iniquity were about equally
remembered, to the entire exclusion of his mother and sisters, in
Wisconsin. Whether or not it was a time for tears, it was assuredly
a time of tears; but neither weakness nor remorse moistened the
eyes of Ives. He seemed neither haughty nor yet subdued; in fact, he
was exactly imperturbable. From a place not more than ten yards
from where he sat during the trial, he was led to execution.
The prisoner had repeatedly declared that he would never “Die in
his boots,” and he asked the sergeant of the guard for a pair of
moccasins, which were given to him; but after a while, he seemed to
be chilled, and requested that his boots might again be put on. Thus,
George Ives “Died in his boots.”
During the whole trial, the doubting, trembling, desperate friends of
Ives exhausted human ingenuity to devise methods for his escape,
trying intimidation, weak appeals to sympathy, and ever and anon
exhibiting their abiding faith in “Nice, sharp quillets of the law.” All the
time, the roughs awaited with a suspense of hourly increasing
painfulness, the arrival of their boasted chief, who had so long and
so successfully sustained the three inimical characters of friend of
their clan, friend of the people, and guardian of the laws.
Not more anxiously did the Great Captain at Waterloo, sigh for
“Night or Blucher,” than did they for Plummer. But, relying upon him,
they deferred all other expedients; and when the dreaded end came,
as come it must, they felt that the tide in the affairs of villains had not
been taken at its flood, and, not without a struggle, they yielded to
the inevitable logic of events, and because they could not help it they
gave their loved companion to the gallows.
Up to the very hour at which he was hanged, they were confident
of Plummer’s arrival in time to save him. But events were transpiring
throughout the Territory which produced intense excitement, and
rumor on her thousand wings was ubiquitous in her journeying on
absurd errands.
Before Lane reached Bannack news of Ives’ arrest had reached
there, with the further story that the men of Alder Gulch were wild
with excitement, and ungovernable from passion; that a Vigilance
Committee had been formed; a number of the best citizens hanged,
and that from three hundred to five hundred men were on their way
to Bannack City to hang Plummer, Ray, Stinson, George Chrisman,
A. J. McDonald and others. This last “bulletin from the front” was
probably the offspring of Plummer’s brain. It is also likely that Lane
and perhaps, Ray and Stinson, helped in the hatching of the story.
Suffice it to say that Plummer told it often, shedding crocodile tears
that such horrible designs existed in the minds of any, as the death
of his, as yet, unrobbed friends, Chrisman, McDonald and Pitt.
His was a most unctious sorrow, intended at that crisis, to be seen
of men in Bannack, and quite a number of the good citizens clubbed
together to defend each other from the contemplated assault, the
precise hour for which Plummers’ detectives had learned, and all
night long many kept watch and ward to give the attacking party a
warm reception.
There is no doubt that Plummer believed that such a body of men
were on their way to Bannack City, after him, Ray, Stinson and
company. The coupling of the other names with theirs was his own
work, and was an excellent tribute paid in a backhanded way, to their
integrity and high standing in the community.
“Conscience doth make cowards of us all.”
and Lane found Plummer anxious to look after his own safety, rather
than that of George Ives.
The rumors carried day by day from the trial, to the band in
different parts of the Territory, were surprising in their exactness, and
in the celerity with which they were carried; but they were changed in
each community, by those most interested; into forms best suited to
subserve the purposes of the robbers; and, in this way, did they
beguile into sympathy with them and their misfortunes, many fair,
honest men.
Ives’ trial for murder, though not the first in the Territory, differed
from any that had preceded it.
Before this memorable day, citizens, in the presence of a well
disciplined and numerous band of desperadoes, had spoken of their
atrocities with bated breath; and witnesses upon their trial had
testified in whispering humbleness. Prosecuting lawyers, too, had, in
their arguments, often startled the public with such novel
propositions as, “Now, gentlemen, you have heard the witnesses,
and it is for you to say whether the defendant is or is not guilty; if he
is guilty, you should say so; but if not, you ought to acquit him. I
leave this with you, to whom it rightfully belongs.” But the counsel for
the defense were, at least, guiltless of uttering these last platitudes;
for a vigorous defense hurt no one and won hosts of friends—of a
certain kind. But on Ives’ trial, there was given forth no uncertain
sound. Robbery and honesty locked horns for the mastery, each
struggling for empire; and each stood by his banner until the contest
ended—fully convinced of the importance of victory. Judge Byam
remained by the prisoner from the time judgment was given, and
gave all the necessary directions for carrying it into effect. Robert
Hereford was the executive officer.
An unfinished house, having only the side-walls up, was chosen
as the best place, near at hand, for carrying into effect the sentence
of death. The preparations, though entirely sufficient, were both
simple and brief. The butt of a forty-foot pole was planted inside the
house, at the foot of one of the walls, and the stick leaned over a
cross beam. Near the point, was tied the fatal cord, with the open
noose dangling fearfully at its lower end. A large goods box was the
platform. The night had closed in, with a bright, full moon, and
around that altar of Vengeance, the stern and resolute faces of the
guard were visible, under all circumstances of light and shade
conceivable. Unmistakable determination was expressed in every
line of their bronzed and weather-beaten countenances.
George Ives was led to the scaffold in fifty-eight minutes from the
time that his doom was fixed. A perfect Bable of voices saluted the
movement. Every roof was covered, and cries of “Hang him!” “Don’t
hang him!” “Banish him!” “I’ll shoot!” “—— their murdering souls!”
“Let’s hang Long John!” were heard all around. The revolvers could
be seen flashing in the moonlight. The guard stood like a rock. They
had heard the muttered threats of a rescue from the crowd, and with
grim firmness—the characteristic of the miners when they mean
“business”—they stood ready to beat them back. Woe to the mob
that should surge against that living bulwark. They would have fallen
as grass before the scythe.
As the prisoner stepped on to the fatal platform, the noise ceased,
and the stillness became painful. The rope was adjusted, and the
usual request was made as to whether he had anything to say. With
a firm voice he replied, “I am innocent of this crime; Aleck Carter
killed the Dutchman.”
The strong emphasis on the word “this” convinced all around, that
he meant his words to convey the impression that he was guilty of
other crimes. Up to this moment he had always accused Long John
of the murder.
Ives expressed a wish to see Long John, and the crowd of
sympathizers yelled in approbation; but the request was denied, for
an attempt at a rescue was expected.
All being ready, the word was given to the guard, “Men do your
duty.” The click of the locks rang sharply, and the pieces flashed in
the moonlight, as they came to the “Aim;” the box flew from under
the murderer’s feet, with a crash, and George Ives swung in the
night breeze, facing the pale moon that lighted up the scene of
retributive justice.
As the vengeful click! click! of the locks sounded their note of
deadly warning to the intended rescuers, the crowd stampeded in
wild affright, rolling over one another in heaps, shrieking and howling
with terror.
When the drop fell, the Judge, who was standing close beside
Ives, called out, “His neck is broken; he is dead.” This
announcement, and the certainty of its truth—for the prisoner never
moved a limb—convinced the few resolute desperadoes who knew
not fear, that the case was hopeless, and they retired with grinding
teeth, and with muttered curses issuing from their lips.
It is astonishing what a wonderful effect is produced upon an
angry mob by the magic sound referred to. Hostile demonstrations
are succeeded by a mad panic; rescuers turn their undivided
attention to their own corporal salvation; eyes that gleamed with
anger, roll wildly with terror; the desire for slaughter gives way to the
fear of death, and courage hands the craven fear his scepter of
command. When a double-barrelled shot-gun is pointed at a traveller
by a desperado, the feeling is equally intense; but its development is
different. The organ of “acquisitiveness” is dormant; “combativeness”
and “destructiveness” are inert; “caution” calls “benevolence” to do
its duty; a very large lump rises into the way-farer’s throat; cold chills
follow the downward course of the spine, and the value of money, as
compared with that of bodily safety, instantly reaches the minimum
point. Verily, “All that a man hath will he give for his life.” We have
often smiled at the fiery indignation of the great untried, when
listening to their account of what they would have done, if a couple of
Road Agents ordered them to throw up their hands; but they failed to
do anything towards convincing us that they would not have sent
valor to the rear at the first onset, and appeared as the very living
and breathing impersonations of discretion. We felt certain that were
they “loaded to the guards” with the gold dust, they would come out
of the scrape as poor as Lazarus, and as mild and insinuating in
demeanor as a Boston mamma with six marriageable daughters.
At last the deed was done. The law abiding among the citizens
breathed more freely and all felt that the worst man in the community
was dead—that the neck of crime was broken, and that the reign of
terror was ended.
The body of Ives was left hanging for an hour. At the expiration of
this period of time, it was cut down, carried into a wheel-barrow
shop, and laid out on a work bench. A guard was then placed over it
till morning, when the friends of the murderer had him decently
interred. He lies in his narrow bed, near his victim—the murdered
Tbalt—to await his final doom, when they shall stand face to face at
the grand tribunal, where every man shall be rewarded according to
his deeds.
George Ives, though so renowned a desperado, was by no means
an ancient practitioner in his profession. In 1857-58, he worked as a
miner, honestly and hard, in California, and though wild and reckless,
was not accused of dishonesty. His first great venture in the line of
robbery was the stealing of Government mules, near Walla Walla.
He was employed as herder, and used to report that certain of his
charge were dead, every time that a storm occurred. The officer of
the Post believed the story, and inquired no further. In this way
George ran off quite a decent herd, with the aid of his friends. In Elk
City, he startled his old employer, in the mines of California by riding
his horse into his saloon, and when that gentlemen seized the bridle,
he drew his revolver, and would certainly have killed him, but
fortunately he caught sight of the face of his intended victim in time,
and returning his pistol he apologized for his conduct. When leaving
the city, he wished to present his splendid gray mare to his friend,
who had for old acquaintance sake supplied his wants; but the
present, though often pressed upon this gentleman, was as often
refused; for no protestations of Ives’ could convince him that the
beautiful animal was fairly his property. He said that he earned it
honestly by mining. His own account of the stealing of the
Government mules, which we have given above, was enough to
settle that question definitively. It was from the “other side” that Ives
came over to Montana—then a part of Idaho—and entered with full
purpose upon the career which ended at Nevada, so fatally and
shamefully for himself, and so happily for the people of this Territory.
A short biographical sketch of Ives and of the rest of the gang will
appear at the end of the present work.
The trial of Hilderman was a short matter. He was defended by
Judge (?) H. P. A. Smith. He had not been known as a very bad
man; but was a weak and somewhat imbecile old fellow, reasonably
honest in a strictly honest community, but easily led to hide the small
treasure, keep the small secrets and do the dirty work of strong-
minded, self-willed, desperate men, whether willingly or through fear
the trial did not absolutely determine. The testimony of Dr. Glick,
showed him to be rather cowardly and a great eater. He had known
of the murder of Tbalt for some weeks, and had never divulged it. He
was also cognizant of the murder near Cold Spring Ranch, and was
sheltering and hiding the perpetrators. He had concealed the stolen
mules too; but, in view of the disclosures made by many, after Ives
was hung, and the power of the gang being broken, such disclosures
did not so much damage men in the estimation of the honest
mountaineer. Medical men were taken to wounded robbers to dress
their wounds; they were told in what affray they were received, and
the penalty of repeating the story to outsiders was sometimes told;
but to others it was described by a silence more expressive than
words. Other parties, too, came into possession of the knowledge of
the tragedies enacted by them, from their own lips, and under
circumstances rendering silence a seeming necessity. To be
necessarily the repository of their dreadful secrets was no enviable
position. Their espionage upon every word uttered by the
unfortunate accessory was offensive, and it was not a consolatory
thought that, at any moment, his life might pay the penalty of any
revelation he should make; and a person placed in such a “fix” was
to some extent a hostage for the reticence of all who knew the same
secret.
If stronger minded men than Hilderman could pretend to be, had
kept secrets at the bidding of the Road Agents, and that too in the
populous places, where there were surely some to defend them—it
was argued that a weak minded man, away from all neighbors,
where by day and by night he could have been killed and hidden
from all human eyes, with perfect impunity—had some apology for
obeying their behests.
Mr. Smith’s defense of Hilderman was rather creditable to him.
There was none of the braggadocio common to such occasions, and
the people feeling that they had caught and executed a chief of the
gang—felt kindly disposed towards the old man.
Hilderman was banished from Montana, and was allowed ten days
time for the purpose of settling his affairs and leaving. When he
arrived at Bannack City, Plummer told him not to go; but the old man
took counsel of his fears, and comparing the agile and effeminate
form of Plummer with those of the earnest mountaineers at Nevada,
he concluded that he would rather bet on them than on Plummer,
and being furnished by the latter with a poney and provisions, he left
Montana forever.
When found guilty and recommended to mercy, he dropped on his
knees, exclaiming, “My God, is it so?”
At the close of his trial, he made a statement, wherein he
confirmed nearly all Long John had said of Ives.
Thus passed one of the crises which have arisen in this new
community. The result demonstrated that when the good and law
abiding were banded together and all put forth their united strength,
they were too strong for the lawlessness which was manifested
when Ives was hung.
It has generally been supposed and believed, that Plummer was
not present at the trial of Ives, or at his execution. We are bound,
however, to state that Mr. Clinton, who kept a saloon in Nevada at
the time, positively asserts that he was in the room when Plummer
took a drink there, a few minutes before the roughs made their rush
at the fall of Ives, and that he went out and headed the mob in the
effort which the determination of the guard rendered unsuccessful.
Long John having turned States’ evidence was set free, and we
believe that he still remains in the Territory.
One thing was conclusively shown to all who witnessed the trial of
Ives. If every Road Agent cost as much labor, time and money for his
conviction, the efforts of the citizens would have, practically, failed
altogether. Some shorter, surer, and at least equally equitable
method of procedure was to be found. The necessity for this, and the
trial of its efficiency when it was adopted, form the ground-work of
this history.
CHAPTER XV.
THE FORMATION OF THE VIGILANCE
COMMITTEE.