Lecture Notes IAT (Management)
Lecture Notes IAT (Management)
1 Definition of Management
2 Features, Objectives and Importance of Management
3 Management and Administration
4 Levels of Management
5 Management, Science or Art
Nature of Management
The origin of management can be traced back to the days when man started living
in groups. History reveals that strong men organized the masses into groups
according to their intelligence, physical and mental capabilities. Evidence of the
use of the well recognized principles of management is to be found in the
organization of public life in ancient Greece, the organization of the Roman
Catholic Church and the organization of military forces. Thus management in
some form or the other has been practiced in the various parts of the world since
the dawn of civilization. With the onset of Industrial Revolution, however, the
position underwent a radical change. The structure of industry became extremely
complex. At this stage, the development of a formal theory of management became
absolutely necessary. It was against this background that the pioneers of modern
management thought laid the foundations of modern management theory and
practice.
Features of Management
1. Management is an ongoing activity- a process that is continuous.
2. It involves reaching important goals.
3. It involves how to perform major managerial functions of planning,
organizing, leading and controlling.
4. Management applies to all kinds of organizations ie profit making
organizations or nonprofit making organization, small or large organizations,
organizations that produces tangible goods or renders services.
5. It applies to managers at all organizational levels eg. Frontline, middle and
top managers.
6. The aims of all managers are the same ie to create resources in terms profit
making.
7. Management is concerned with productivity. This implies efficiency and
effectiveness.
Productivity= Output/Input ie output per input.
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Objectives of Management
You may have to look at how things were done in the past to make any
adjustments to mitigate errors. You have to consider both internal factors—
people, time and cost—and external factors—competitors, policies and
general business environment—to arrive at a sound planning strategy.
ORGANIZING
This is where you put your plan into action by establishing a system of
authority or hierarchy in the context of your organizational structure.
Determine the tasks that need to be completed to achieve your goals before
assigning them to your staff. As opposed to the traditional ways of working
where a manager made all the decisions, today’s business world is more
dynamic and flexible. Every member of the organization—regardless of
position—shares accountability and responsibility.
So, define an organizational structure that aligns with your workplace and
assign tasks that map to your team’s skills and abilities. You have to get
everyone on the same page and delegate tasks the way you see fit.
STAFFING
This is another important function of management. You have to assign tasks
based on each team member’s knowledge, skills and abilities. You have to
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be careful here because you may have to hire new talent for specific tasks
that require specific technical expertise. Assessing the needs of your
employees in terms of incentives, training and development and
compensation are critical for the success of this step.
An effective manager will have the insight to evaluate the competency and
efficiency of their employees. This is to ensure that their assigned tasks
match their skills. You have to adopt an empathetic approach to connect
with your employees and understand their strengths and weaknesses.
DIRECTING
Directing is concerned with supervising your team’s progress. In this step,
you have to keep an open channel of communication and get regular updates
to stay on top of things. A great way to do this is by giving and receiving
feedback to address any problem areas and improve performance. This is
where you have to act as a leader, navigate conflict and motivate your
employees to take initiative.
Harappa Education’s Managing Teamwork course will teach you the Skill-
Will Matrix—attributed to leadership coach Max Landsberg. It’s a quick and
easy way to assign tasks based on the capabilities and motivation of each
member.
CONTROLLING
This is where you have to measure the progress of each step established in
the planning stage against your organizational goals. This step requires you
to coordinate with your employees to ensure that they’re moving in the right
direction and in the right manner. According to Gulick’s 7 functions of
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management, controlling can be understood in terms of coordinating,
reporting and budgeting.
Not only do you have to ensure that every step is going according to plan, but also
watch out for potential problems to take corrective measures. Make timely
adjustments and modifications where necessary. It’ll help you accomplish your
goals faster within your timeframe and your budget. Take this opportunity to
cooperate with everyone on your team.
There are two theoretical view points about management and administration. One
view point has stated that management is above administration and administration
is part of management. The other view point also stated that administration is
above management and management is part of administration.
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Management and Administration are the same: Chester Bernard, George R,
Terry etc, have advocated that management and administration are the same.
According to them the difference is not in their meaning, but in their application.
Administration and management are carried by managers at all levels –top, middle
and low. Whiles managers at top level performs more administration, those at
lower level perform more management.
Levels of Management
Vertical Levels
We can identify 3 levels of the vertical managerial job time (management levels)
Levels of Management
Top
Middle
First line
1. First line Managers: They are managers of the lower levels of hierarchy
who are directly responsible for the work of operating employees. They
include supervisors. First line managers are extremely important to the
success of the organization because they have the responsibility to see to it
that day-to-day activities are carried out smoothly in enhancing
organizational growth.
2. Middle Managers: These are managers located beneath the top levels of
management who are directly responsible for lower level managers.
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Sometimes middle managers supervise operation personnel such as
administrative assistance. Middle managers are mainly responsible for
implementing overall organizational plans so that organizational goals can
be achieved as expected.
3. Top Managers: These are the managers at the very top level of the
hierarchy who are ultimately responsible for the entire organization. They
are few in number and their and their typical titles include chief executive
officers, Vice President, Executive Director etc. Top managers have direct
responsibility for the upper layer of middle managers.
They typically oversee the overall role or policies of the organization worth
some degree with middle managers in implementing that policy and
maintain overall control over the progress of the organization.
Management as a Science
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Management also contains some fundamental principles which can be
applied universally like the Principle of Unity of Command i.e. one man,
one boss. This principle is applicable to all type of organization – business
or non business.
E.g. the principle that earth goes round the sun has been scientifically
proved. Management principles are also based on scientific enquiry &
observation and not only on the opinion of Henry Fayol. They have been
developed through experiments & practical experiences of large no. of
managers.
E.g. when metals are heated, they are expanded. The cause is heating & result is
expansion.
The same is true for management; therefore it also establishes cause and effect
relationship.
E.g. lack of parity (balance) between authority & responsibility will lead to
ineffectiveness. If you know the cause i.e. lack of balance, the effect can be
ascertained easily i.e. ineffectiveness. Similarly if workers are given bonuses,
fair wages they will work hard but when not treated in fair and just manner,
reduces productivity of organization.
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E.g. principle of unity of command can be tested by comparing two persons
– one having single boss and one having 2 bosses. The performance of 1st
person will be better than 2nd.
Management as an Art
Art means application of knowledge & skill to get the desired results. An art
may be defined as personalized application of general theoretical principles
for achieving best possible results. Art has the following characters –
E.g. to become a good painter, the person not only should know about the
different colour and brushes but different designs, dimensions, situations etc
to use them appropriately. A manager can never be successful just by
obtaining degree or diploma in management; he must have also known how
to apply various principles in real situations, by functioning as a manager.
Personal Skill: Although theoretical base may be same for every artist, but
each one has his own style and approach towards his job. That is why the
level of success and quality of performance differs from one person to
another.
E.g
. there are several qualified painters but M.F. Hussain is recognized for his
style. Similarly management as an art is also personalized. Every manager
has his own way of managing things based on his knowledge, experience
and personality, that is why some managers are known as good managers
whereas others as bad.
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Creativity: Every artist has an element of creativity in line. That is why he
aims at producing something that has never existed before which requires
combination of intelligence & imagination. Management is also creative in
nature like any other art. It combines human and non-human resources in an
useful way so as to achieve desired results. It tries to produce sweet music
by combining chords in an efficient manner.
Management as a Profession:
There are large numbers of books available on management studies. Scholars are
studying various business situations and are trying to develop new principles to
tackle these situations. So presently this feature of profession is present in
management also.
2. Restricted Entry:
For all the professions, special associations are established and every professional
has to get himself registered with his association before practicing that profession.
For example, doctors have to get themselves registered with Medical Association
of Ghana, lawyers with Ghana Bar Association etc.
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In case of management various management associations are set up at national and
international levels which have some membership rules and set of ethical codes,
for example, CIMA , etc., but legally it is not compulsory for managers to become
a part of these organisations by registration. So presently this feature of profession
is not present in management but very soon it will be included and get statutory
backing also.
For every profession there are set of ethical codes fixed by professional
organisations and are binding on all the professionals of that profession. In case of
management there is growing emphasis on ethical behaviour of managers.
So presently this feature of profession is not present in management but very soon
it will be included with statutory backing.
5. Service Motive:
The basic motive of every profession is to serve the clients with dedication.
Whereas basic purpose of management is achievement of management goal, for
example for a business organisation the goal can be profit maximisation.
But nowadays only profit maximisation cannot be the sole goal of an enterprise. To
survive in market for a long period of time, a businessman must give due
importance to social objectives along with economic objectives. So presently this
feature of profession is not present but very soon it will be included.
We all strive to be a truly great Manager: a Manager who earns the respect of
many, someone who is inspiring, in short, a pleasure to work for. But it’s not easy,
and as many of us know, great managers are few and far between.
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ORGANISATIONAL ENVIRONMENT
Internal Environment
Internal factors like men, machine, money, material, etc., on which organisation
decision depends consists internal environment. The internal environment refers to
the forces that are within the organisation and affects its ability to serve its
customers. It includes marketing managers, production managers, procedures,
inventory, logistics, and anything within organisation which affects decisions and
its relationship with its customers.
External Environment
The external environment consists of the task environment and the broad or mega
environment. The task environment includes the immediate actors involved in
producing, distributing, and promoting the offering, including the company,
suppliers, distributors, dealers, and the target customers.
The system theory in our previous lesson helps us to understand the importance of
the environment to organizations. According to the system theory organization is
likely to be more successful if it operates as an open system that continually
interacts with and receives feedback from its external environment. As a result of
the above therefore managers need to understand considerably the external
environment that organizations faces.
The external organizational environment includes all elements existing outside the
boundary of the organization that have the potential to affect the organization. The
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environment includes competitors, technology and economic conditions. The
external environment of an organization can be divided into two major segments.
MEGA ENVIRONMENT
TASK ENVIRONMENT
Mega/general environment
Task environment
Technological
Economic
Legal-political
Socio-cultural
International
These events do not directly change day-to-day operations transactions but they do
have affected all organizations eventually.
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Political and Legal:
This includes laws coming from Common Law, parliamentary legislation and
government regulations derived from it and obligations by the countries towards
certain treaties sign in the international scene.
Legal factors affecting companies.
Category Example
Some legal and regulatory factors affect particular industries. the political
environment is not simply limited to legal factors. Government policy affects the
whole economy and government are responsible for enforcing and creating a stable
framework in which business can be done. A recent report by the World Bank
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indicated that the quality of government is important since it largely determines the
standard of important aspects of the national infrastructure. That is
Economic growth
Full employment
Price stability
Economic
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that see to fairness in the market environment. In a socialist economy, the means
of production are owned by the stage and economic activity is co-ordinated by
plan.
Social-cultural
Demographic characteristics
Norms
Cultures
Culture is a term used by sociologist and anthropologist to encompass the sum total
of the belief, knowledge, attitudes of mind and customs to which people are
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exposed in their social conditioning. Through contact to a particular culture,
individuals learn a language, acquire and habits of behaviours and thought.
Technological
International
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This involves the development in countries outside an organization’s home country
that will have potential influence on the organization. For example, the war in Iraq
have pushed crude oil prices high thereby affecting almost every organization in
terms of transportation.
Task Environment
They are the people in organization in the environment who acquires goods or
services from the organization. As recipients of the organization’s output,
customers are important because they determine the organization’s success.
For example, patients are the customers of hospitals, students are the customers
of schools, and travelers are the customers of airlines. Every company whether
profit or non-profit making has to stay close to its customer. The business
model for today requires that companies have to produce for the market and
not to the market. Levy Strauss’s fortunes have faded faster than a pair of new
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jeans in recent years because of the company’s failure to respond quickly to
faction trends such as flared legs, cargo pockets and buggy trousers.
Competitors
Other organization in the same industry or type of business that provide goods
or services to the same set of customers are referred to as competitors. Each
industry is characterized by a specific competitive issues. The recording
industry differs from steel industry and the pharmaceutical industry.
Competitive wars are being waged in all industries. Coke and Pepsi continue
to battle it out for the soft drink market.
Suppliers
Suppliers provide the raw materials the organization uses to produce its output.
A steel mill requires iron ore, machine and financial resources. A small
university may utilize hundreds of suppliers for paper, pencils, cafeteria food,
computers, trucks, fuel, electricity and text books.
Label
The labour market represents people in the environment who can be hired to
work for the organization. Every organization needs a supply of trained,
qualified personnel. Employers can expect to recruit from a labour that is
becoming increased diverse.
Government agencies
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This involves the interactions with representatives of specific government
agencies in the local area that is, tax office, VAT, Police as well as the National
level.
We all strive to be a truly great Manager: a Manager who earns the respect of
many, someone who is inspiring, in short, a pleasure to work for. But it’s not easy,
and as many of us know, great managers are few and far between.
1. Integrity
Integrity fosters trust, which in turn builds loyalty. A manager with loyal
staff has the capability to be very effective. They have staff that they know
they can rely on and, in turn, their staff are confident in their abilities to
deliver knowing they have the support of their manager.
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2. Empower
An effective manager empowers his or her staff to perform at their best. This
means creating an environment for success: setting boundaries so that people
can take responsibility, creating opportunities that allow people to challenge
their abilities, motivating people to find new and innovative ways, all while
also ensuring support structures are in place.
3. Motivation
People perform at their best when they are happy and motivated. But there is
much more to motivation than salary or bonuses. A manager that
understands his or her employees can set challenging yet achievable goals
and rewards in a variety of ways. People can be motivated by interesting
work, by being part of an effective team, by the prospect of learning new
skills, or by the knowledge that their hard work will be recognised and
appreciated.
4. Delegate
An effective manager understands the skills and abilities of his or her staff,
and knows how to delegate. Effective delegation is selecting the right person
to do the work, given the constraints of skill requirements and time.
Delegation is entrusting the person with the responsibility to complete the
work. It includes setting clear guidelines and expectations as well as
boundaries for decision-making responsibilities.
5. Adaptable
6. Takes action
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An effective manager takes action. If they see a problem they address it.
This may seem obvious, but all to often there are decisions that many
managers find to difficult to take, so they put it off until a later date. Or
perhaps they move the problem for someone else to solve, such as the poor
performing employee that gets moved around the organisation.
7. Networker
Anyone can obtain the organisation chart, but what is more useful for any
manager is to understand the real network within the business. Who are the
key people that can make things happen? It’s about understanding who
affect the decisions you make today and in the future, and ensuring you have
a good relationship with them.
9. Role Model
A job well done is not about systems or processes or figures; it’s about
people. An effective manager recognises the importance of people in
business, and shows everyone respect regardless of the role that they play.
An effective manager listens to people; is fair and understanding. This does
not mean they can always keep everyone happy; because as a manager this
simply is not the case, however if a decision is reached though a fair process
people understand how the outcome was reached even if they don’t
necessarily agree with result.
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EVOLUTION OF MANAGEMENT THEORIES
1. Introduction
2. Pre- classical Management theories
3. Classical theory:
Scientific management theory- Fredrick Taylor
Administrative theory- Henri Fayor
Bureaucratic theory- Max Weber
Introduction
Organizations and managers have existed for thousands of years. The Egyptian
pyramids and the Great Wall of China were projects of tremendous scope and
magnitude, and required good management. Regardless of the titles given to
managers throughout history, someone has always had to plan what needs to be
accomplished, organize people and materials, lead and direct workers, and impose
controls to ensure that goals were attained as planned.
Two historical events significant to the study of management are work of Adam
Smith, in his book,’ The Wealth of Nations’, in which he argued brilliantly for the
economic advantages of division of labor (the breakdown of jobs into narrow,
repetitive tasks).
The Industrial Revolution is second important pre-twentieth-century influence on
management. The introduction of machine powers combined with the division of
labor made large, efficient factories possible. Planning, organizing, leading, and
controlling became necessary activities.
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classical contributors in management focuses on particular techniques that must be
applied to some specific problems.
The Pre-classical contributors operated in the middle and late 1800s. The ideas of
these contributors laid the ground work for subsequent broader enquiries into the
nature of management. Among the principals of Pre-classical contributors are:
Robert Owen a successful British Entrepreneur advocated concern for the working
and living conditions of workers. He was well ahead of his time in recognizing the
importance of human resources. His cotton mill in New Lanark, Scotland
employed 400-500 young people. Although his business partners resisted some of
his ideas, Owen tried to improve the living condition of the employees by
upgrading streets, houses, sanitation and educational system in New Lanark. His
ideas laid the ground work for the human relations movement.
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Scientific Management Approach
Scientific management is defined as the use of the scientific method to determine
the “one best way” for a job to be done. Major with this method includes:
a. Fredrick Winslow Taylor (1856-1915)
b. Frank Gilbreth (1868-1924)
c. Lillian Gilbreth (1868-1924)
The most important contributor in this field was Frederick W. Taylor who is
known as the “father” of scientific management. Using his principles of scientific
management, Taylor was able to define the “one best way” for doing each job.
Frederick W. Taylor Started as an apprentice machinist in Philadelphia, USA and
rose to be the chief engineer at the Midvale Engineering Works and later on served
with the Bethlehem Works where he experimented with his ideas and made the
contribution to the management theory for which he is so well known. Frederick
Winslow Taylor well- known as the founder of scientific management was the first
to recognize and emphasis the need for adopting a scientific approach to the task of
managing an enterprise.
He tried to diagnose the causes of low efficiency in industry and came to the
conclusion that much of waste and inefficiency is due to the lack of order and
system in the methods of management. He found that the management was usually
ignorant of the amount of work that could be done by a worker in a day as also the
best method of doing the job. As a result, it remained largely at the mercy of the
workers who deliberately shirked work (soldiering). He therefore, suggested that
those responsible for management should adopt a scientific approach in their work,
and make use of "scientific method" for achieving higher efficiency. The scientific
method consists essentially of:
(a) Observation
(b) Measurement
(c) Experimentation and
(d) Inference.
He advocated a thorough planning of the job by the management and emphasized
the necessity of perfect understanding and co-operation between the management
and the workers both for the enlargement of profits and the use of scientific
investigation and knowledge in industrial work.
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• Science, not rule of thumb
• Harmony, not discord
• Co-operation, not individualism
• Maximum output, in place of restricted output
• The development of each man to his greatest efficiency and prosperity.
Frank and Lillian Gilbreth were inspired by Taylor’s work and proceeded to study
and develop their own methods of scientific management. They devised a
classification scheme to label 17 basic hand motions called therbligs in order to
eliminate wasteful motions.
In Frank’s early career as an apprentice bricklayer, he was interested in
standardization and method study. He watched bricklayers and saw that some
workers were slow and inefficient, while others were very productive. He
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discovered that each bricklayer used a different set of motions to lay bricks. From
his observation, Frank isolated the basic movements necessary to do the job and
eliminated the unnecessary motions. Workers using these movements raised their
output from 1,000 to 2,700 bricks per day. This was the first motion study designed
to isolate the best possible method of performing a given job. Later, Frank and his
wife Lillian studied job motions using a motion picture camera and split-second.
When her husband died at the age of 56, Lillian continued their work.
Administrative Theory
This focuses on principles that can be used by managers to co-ordinate the internal
activities of the organization. Major contributors of this approach include
Fayor attempted to isolate main types of activities in industry and business. Within
the category of managerial activities, he identified five major functions; planning,
organizing, commanding, co-ordinating and controlling.
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managers have legitimate authority to act. Barnard felt that four factors affected
the willingness of employees to accept authority;
a) The employees must understand the communication.
b) The employees accept the communication as being consistent with
organization’s purposes.
c) The employees feel that their actions will be consistent with the needs
and desires of the other employees.
d) The employees feel that they are mentally and physically able to carry
out the order.
He also believed that running organization on the basis of whom one knows rather
than what one knows and engaging in nepotism turn to interfere organizations
effectiveness. In an attempt to visualize Weber formulated features/characteristics
of the ideal bureaucracy. He coined the word bureaucracy to identify large
organizations that operate on rational basis.
Major Characteristics of Weber’s ideal Bureaucracy
Characteristics Description
Division of Labour and Specialization Jobs are broken down into routine well
defined task so that members know
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what is expected of them and become
extremely competent in their particular
subset of task.
Formal Rules and Regulations Standard operating procedures govern
all organizational activities to provide
certainty and facilitate coordination.
Well-defined hierarchy All positions within a bureaucracy are
structured in a way that permits the
higher positions to supervise the lower
positions. This clear chain of command
facilitates control and order throughout
the organization.
Impersonal Relationship between Managers should maintain an
Managers and Subordinates impersonal relationship with employees
so that favoritism and personal prejudice
do not influence decisions.
Competence Selection and promotion is based on the
qualification and performance of
members.
Records A bureaucracy needs to maintain
complete files regarding all its activities.
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Behavioral Management Theory:
Follet place great importance in achieving what she called ‘Integration unity’
where by the organization would operate as a functional hole with the various
inter-related parts working together effectively to achieve organizational goals.
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Hawthorne Studies
These are a group of studies conducted at Hawthorne works in Chicago of the
Western electricity company during the late 1920s and early 1930s
Three set of studies were done to establish their findings. One important outcome
of the studies was the identification of a famous concept that ultimately came to be
known as the Hawthorne effect.
The Hawthorne effect is the possibility that individuals singled out for a study may
improve their performers simply because of the added attention they receive rather
than any specific factors been tested in the study. As a result of the Hawthorne
study, the focus of the field of management was drastically changed. It led to the
human relation approach.
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B. Safety needs: These needs include the need for basic security, stability,
protection and freedom from fear. A normal state exists for an individual to
have all these needs generally satisfied. Otherwise, they become primary
motivators
C. Belonging and love needs; After the physical and safety needs are satisfy
and are no longer motivator, the need for belonging and love emerges as a
primary motivator. The individuals strives to establish meaningful
relationship with significant others.
D. Esteem Needs: An individual must develop self confidence and wants to
achieve status, reputation, fame and glory.
E. Self actualization needs: Assuming that all the previous needs in the
hierarchy needs are satisfied an individual feel a need to find himself i.e to
reach his potential.
Maslow’s work pointed out to managers that workers have needs beyond the basic
requirement of earning money to putting a roof over their head
Theory X managers turn to assume that workers are lazy and need to be forced,
they have little ambition and focus mainly on security needs. In contrast theory Y
managers assume that workers do not inherently dislike work, they are capable of
self control, they have the capacity to be creative and innovative and generally
have higher level needs that are often unmet on the job.
McGregor believes that managers who hold theory X assumption set up elaborate
controls and attempt to motivate strictly through economic incentives. As a result
workers are likely to respond in the manner that reinforces the manager’s original
assumption.
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McGregor believes this integration could occur if managers give workers room in
performing their task, encouraging creativity and motivation, minimize the use of
controls and attempt to make the work more interesting and satisfied in regard to
higher levels needs. Under such conditions workers are likely to execute greater
commitment to organizational goal, because the goals coincide more closely with
their owns.
b) System Theory
c) Contingency Theory
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something- saving both money and time. Mangers use several science
applications such as:
Systems Theory
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This is based on the notion that organizations can be visualized as systems. A
system is a set of interrelated part that operates as a whole in pursuance of
common goals. The system approach as applied to organization is based largely
on work in biology and the physical sciences.
Outcome: Product and services, profit and losses and employment growth and
satisfaction.
OUTPU
INPUT
T
TRANSFORMATIONAL
PROCESS
Input: Inputs are the various human, materials, financial, equipment and
informational resources require to produce goods and services.
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Transformational process: They are processes of the organization’s
managerial and technological abilities that are applied to convert input into
output.
Output: Outputs are the products, services and other outcomes produce by the
organization.
3. It emphasize that a change in one part of the system may affect other parts. In
thinking about the interrelationships among us in an organization you might
visualize that the parts are interconnected by rubber bands.
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management principles to any situation. Contingency theory is recognition of the
extreme importance individual manager performance in any given situation. The
contingency approach is highly dependent on the experience and judgment of the
manager in a given organizational environment.
4. Employees working in teams: these groups are primary vehicles for planning
and problem solving.
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Key themes to be considered as the twenty-first century progress:
Planning:
Meaning and purpose of planning; formal planning process; types of planning;
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difference between strategic, tactical and operational planning.
Introduction
Planning is the first function of management. Planning makes decisions regarding
what to do, how to do, when to do, where to do and whom to do.
Planning is the process of thinking about and organizing the activities required to
achieve a desired goal. Planning involves the creation and maintenance of a plan.
As such, planning is a fundamental property of intelligent behavior. This thought
process is essential to the creation and refinement of a plan or integration of it with
other plans; that is, it combines forecasting of developments with the preparation
of scenarios of how to react to them. An important, albeit often ignored aspect of
planning, is the relationship it holds with forecasting. Forecasting can be described
as predicting what the future will look like, whereas planning predicts what the
future should look like.
Meaning of Planning
Deciding about all the aspect is called planning. A problem about taking decision
on these matters rises when there is more than one possible answer. Therefore it
can be said to be a process of choosing. Managers plan business activities at all
levels though more planning is required at top levels than lower levels. Business
organisations make long term planning, medium term and short term planning
upon the nature of their operations.
Definition of planning:
Importance of planning
Planning is the first and most important function of the management. It is needed at
every level of the management. In the absence of planning all the business
activities of the organization will become meaningless. The importance of planning
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has increased all the more in view of the increasing size of organizations. In the
absence of planning, it may not be impossible but certainly difficult to guess the
uncertain events of future.
1 Planning facilitates Decision making: Decision making means the process of
taking decision. Under it, a variety of alternatives are discovered and the best
alternative is chosen. But it is important to determine the objectives before the
discovery of alternatives. Objectives are determined under the process of planning.
So it can be said that planning facilitates decision making.
2 Planning reduce risk of Uncertainty: planning is always done for future and
future is uncertain. With the help of planning possible changes in future are
anticipated and various activities are planned in the best possible way.
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7. Moral boost up: If organizational plans succeed and goals are achieved,
employees feel satisfied and morally boost up to further concentrate on activities.
Establish Goals
The first step of the management planning process is to identify specific company
goals. This portion of the planning process should include a detailed overview of
each goal, including the reason for its selection and the anticipated outcomes of
goal-related projects. Where possible, objectives should be described in
quantitative or qualitative terms. An example of a goal is to raise profits by 25
percent over a 12-month period.
Identify Resources
Each goal should have financial and human resources projections associated with
its completion. For example, a management plan may identify how many sales
people it will require and how much it will cost to meet the goal of increasing sales
by 25 percent.
Each goal should have tasks or projects associated with its achievement. For
example, if a goal is to raise profits by 25 percent, a manager will need to outline
the tasks required to meet that objective. Examples of tasks might include
increasing the sales staff or developing advanced sales training techniques.
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Create Assignments and Timelines
Even the best-laid plans can sometimes be thrown off track by unanticipated
events. A management plan should include a contingency plan if certain aspects of
the master plan prove to be unattainable. Alternative courses of action can be
incorporated into each segment of the planning process, or for the plan in its
entirety.
TYPES OF PLANING
I. Strategic Plan
Managers at every level will turn to the strategic plan to guide their decisions. It
will also influence the culture within an organization and how it interacts with
customers and the media. Thus, the strategic plan must be forward looking, robust
but flexible, with a keen focus on accommodating future growth.
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1. Vision
Where does the organization want to be five years from now? How does it want to
influence the world?
These are some of the questions you must ask when you delineate your
organization’s vision. It’s okay if this vision is grandiose and idealistic. If there is
any room to wax poetic within a plan, it is here. Holding ambitions to “make a dent
in the Universe” (Apple/Steve Jobs) is acceptable, as is a more realistic vision to
create the most “customer-centric company on Earth” (Amazon).
2. Mission
The mission statement is a more realistic overview of the company’s aim and
ambitions. Why does the company exist? What does it aim to achieve through its
existence? A clothing company might want to “bring high street fashion to the
masses”, while a non-profit might want to “eradicate polio”.
3. Values
Your values are the things that you believe are important in the way you live and
work. Values exist, whether you recognize them or not. Life can be much easier
when you acknowledge your values – and when you make plans and decisions that
honor them.
If you value family, but you have to work 70-hour weeks in your job, will you feel
internal stress and conflict? And if you don't value competition, and you work in a
highly competitive sales environment, are you likely to be satisfied with your job?
In these types of situations, understanding your values can really help. When you
know your own values, you can use them to make decisions about how to live your
life, and you can answer questions like these:
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II. Tactical Plan
The tactical plan describes the tactics the organization plans to use to achieve the
ambitions outlined in the strategic plan. It is a short range (i.e. with a scope of less
than one year), low-level document that breaks down the broader mission
statements into smaller, actionable chunks. If the strategic plan is a response to
“What?”, the tactical plan responds to “How?”.
The tactical plan is a very flexible document; it can hold anything and everything
required to achieve the organization’s goals. That said, there are some components
shared by most tactical plans:
Suppose your organization’s aim is to become the largest shoe retailer in the city.
The tactical plan will break down this broad ambition into smaller, actionable
goals. The goal(s) should be highly specific and have fixed deadlines to spur action
– expand to two stores within three months, grow at 25% per quarter, or increase
revenues to $1mn within six months, and so on.
2. Budgets
The tactical plan should list budgetary requirements to achieve the aims specified
in the strategic plan. This should include the budget for hiring personnel,
marketing, sourcing, manufacturing, and running the day-to-day operations of the
company. Listing the revenue outflow/inflow is also a recommended practice.
3. Resources
The tactical plan should list all the resources you can muster to achieve the
organization’s aims. This should include human resources, IP, cash resources, etc.
Again, being highly specific is encouraged.
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4. Marketing, Funding, etc.
Finally, the tactical plan should list the organization’s immediate marketing,
sourcing, funding, manufacturing, retailing, and PR strategy. Their scope should be
aligned with the goals outlined above.
If you’re struggling to create a strong tactical plan, this course on drafting great
business plans will point you in the right direction.
The operational plan describes the day to day running of the company. The
operational plan charts out a roadmap to achieve the tactical goals within a realistic
timeframe. This plan is highly specific with an emphasis on short-term objectives.
“Increase sales to 150 units/day”, or “hire 50 new employees” are both examples
of operational plan objectives.
These plans are created for events/activities with a single occurrence. This can be a
one-time sales program, a marketing campaign, a recruitment drive, etc. Single use
plans tend to be highly specific.
2. Ongoing Plans
These plans can be used in multiple settings on an ongoing basis. Ongoing plans
can be of different types, such as:
Ongoing plans are created on an ad-hoc basis but can be repeated and changed as
required.
Operational plans align the company’s strategic plan with the actual day to day
running of the company. This is where the macro meets the micro.
Strategic Planning: Refers to the process through which an organization defines its
strategy, allocate its resource and lead the direction that the company will follow to
achieve its goals.
Strategic Planning is the formal planning for the future and help the company to
define:
What we do?
How do we successes?
Tactical Planning: Refers to the process of taking the strategic plan and divided
into specific activities, short term actions and plans to achieve the planned
objectives.
Operations Planning: Refers to the action plan for the day-to-day functioning of an
organization. It defines the short term methods to achieve the strategic objectives
set while strategic planning is done. In other words, Operation planning allows the
company to determine how to do it.
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Guarantee that shareholder’s interest will be serve, as well product market
shareholders and organizational stakeholders.
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LECTURE FIVE: DECISION MAKING
Decision Making:
Nature and purpose of decision making; decision making process; techniques used
in decision making process.
Meaning of decision
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alternatives. Decision-making will be followed by second function of management
called planning. The other elements which follow planning are many such as
organising, directing, coordinating, controlling and motivating.
Definition
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2. Pervasiveness of decision making: the decision is made in all managerial
activities and in all functions of the organization. It must be taken by all staff.
Without decision making any kinds of function is not possible. So it is pervasive.
5. Selecting the best alternatives: Decision making is the process of selecting the
best alternatives. It is necessary in every organization because there are many
alternatives. So decision makers evaluate various advantages and disadvantages of
every alternative and select the best alternative.
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Steps Involved In Decision Making Process
Decision-making involves a number of steps which need to be taken in a logical
manner. This is treated as a rational or scientific 'decision-making process' which is
lengthy and time consuming. Such lengthy process needs to be followed in order to
take rational/scientific/result oriented decisions. Decision-making process
prescribes some rules and guidelines as to how a decision should be taken / made.
This involves many steps logically arranged. It was Peter Drucker who first
strongly advocated the scientific method of decision-making in his world famous
book 'The Practice of Management' published in 1955. Drucker recommended the
scientific method of decision-making which, according to him, involves the
following six steps:
1. Defining / Identifying the managerial problem,
2. Analyzing the problem,
The figure given below suggests the steps in the decision-making process:-
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1. Identifying the Problem: Identification of the real problem before a
business enterprise is the first step in the process of decision-making. It is
rightly said that a problem well-defined is a problem half-solved.
Information relevant to the problem should be gathered so that critical
analysis of the problem is possible. This is how the problem can be
diagnosed. Clear distinction should be made between the problem and the
symptoms which may cloud the real issue. In brief, the manager should
search the 'critical factor' at work. It is the point at which the choice applies.
Similarly, while diagnosing the real problem the manager should consider
causes and find out whether they are controllable or uncontrollable.
2. Analyzing the Problem: After defining the problem, the next step in the
decision-making process is to analyze the problem in depth. This is
necessary to classify the problem in order to know who must take the
decision and who must be informed about the decision taken. Here, the
following four factors should be kept in mind:
Collecting Relevant Data: After defining the problem and analyzing its
nature, the next step is to obtain the relevant information/ data about it.
There is information flood in the business world due to new developments in
the field of information technology. All available information should be
utilised fully for analysis of the problem. This brings clarity to all aspects of
the problem.
3. Developing Alternative Solutions: After the problem has been defined,
diagnosed on the basis of relevant information, the manager has to determine
available alternative courses of action that could be used to solve the
problem at hand. Only realistic alternatives should be considered. It is
equally important to take into account time and cost constraints and
psychological barriers that will restrict that number of alternatives. If
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necessary, group participation techniques may be used while developing
alternative solutions as depending on one solution is undesirable.
4. Selecting the Best Solution: After preparing alternative solutions, the next
step in the decision-making process is to select an alternative that seems to
be most rational for solving the problem. The alternative thus selected must
be communicated to those who are likely to be affected by it. Acceptance of
the decision by group members is always desirable and useful for its
effective implementation.
5. Converting Decision into Action: After the selection of the best decision,
the next step is to convert the selected decision into an effective action.
Without such action, the decision will remain merely a declaration of good
intentions. Here, the manager has to convert 'his decision into 'their decision'
through his leadership. For this, the subordinates should be taken in
confidence and they should be convinced about the correctness of the
decision. Thereafter, the manager has to take follow-up steps for the
execution of decision taken.
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Main Techniques of Decision-making
Decision taken must be accurate and should not lead to confusion; the decisions
taken must also be scientific and available for accuracy and verification. The
important techniques that aid the manager in decision making are operations
research and other quantitative techniques.
1. Operations Research:
Robert Thierauf:
Operations Research is a particular way of viewing the problem, team, task force
and mathematical reasoning to the alternatives meant for solving them. The
common approach in any operations research is the construction and study of a
mathematical model.
Management accountant holds key for the ultimate success or failure of operations
research. The quality of decision making will improve with the application of
mathematical model but the feasibility of a mathematical model application will
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depend on the adequacy and accuracy of accounting information. (More details on
OR at the later pages of this chapter).
2. Models:
Model building is the central concept in the application of OR while making use of
quantifying models. Models are simple convenient and relatively economic
resource conservation device for testing hypothesis.
3. Simulation:
This technique is used to test the feasibility and possible outcome of various
decision alternatives. "Simulation is a quantitative technique for evaluating
alternative courses of action based upon facts and assumptions with a
computerized mathematical model in order to represent actual decision making
under conditions of uncertainty.
4. Linear Programming:
This is defined as "How could a company with limited resources make optimum
use with their resources, combination for the achievement of the desired objective,
or goal was, the central idea of this mathematical technique".
A linear or straight line relationship exists between variables and that the limits of
variation can be determined. It adopts an analytical instead of intuitive approach in
decision making. It is also concerned with problem of planning. A group of
complex independent activities are expressed by means of developing
mathematical formula.
5. Games Theory: Games theory attempts to work out optimum solution in which
an individual in a given situation can develop a strategy irrespective of what a
competition does with maximizing gains or minimizing losses. It involves
mathematical study of tactics under conditions of uncertainty.
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6. PERT and CPM: Programme Evaluation and Review Technique is useful to
analyze and control the timing aspects of programmes. In planning and controlling
a programme, PERT helps in obtaining lower costs and reducing programme time,
bringing about better utilization of human and physical resources.
Critical Path Method (CPM) is a commonly used term for all network analysis and
for a particular version of these techniques.
PERT relies on three estimates, an optimistic, most likely and pessimistic of the
time each activity may take. CPM relies only one 'most likely'.
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LECTURE SIX: LEADERSHIP
Leadership:
Meaning of Leadership; management style; management style and organizational
effectiveness.
There are many definitions of leadership. Many lines have been written attempting
to capture the essence of leadership in just a few words.
Leadership Definitions
"Leadership defines what the future should look like, aligns people with that vision
and inspires them to make it happen despite the obstacles." (John Kotter).
"The art of mobilising others to want to struggle for shared aspirations." (James
Kouzes and Barry Posner).
A leadership definition is obviously quite limited because it's only a few words or
a couple of sentences.
Any single definition of leadership can only attempt to convey the essence or most
important quality of leadership from a particular standpoint or point of view.
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Therefore when we try to understand leadership we should avoid placing too
much reliance on a single definition, or even several definitions of leadership,
and especially when we try to explain leadership to others.
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Whatever the superiors feel is right for the organization eventually
becomes the company’s policies.
Employees lack motivation in autocratic style of working.
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Individuals who have the dream of making it big in the organization
and desire to do something innovative every time outshine others who
attend office for fun.
Employees are not dependent on the managers and know what is
right or wrong for them.
5. Management by Walking Around Style of Working
In the above style of working, managers treat themselves as an
essential part of the team and are efficient listeners.
The superiors interact with the employees more often to find out
their concerns and suggestions.
In such a style of working, the leader is more of a mentor to its
employees and guides them whenever needed.
The managers don’t lock themselves in cabins; instead walk around to
find out what is happening around them.
Leadership Vs Management
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Role in decision-
Facilitative Involved
making
Leadership:
Meaning of motivation; content and process theories of motivation.
Motivation
Some people are found to be more efficient than others. The difference in their
performance can be attributed either to their urge or willingness to perform as best
as possible or difference in their abilities. Omitting the ability and skill, it is the
motive of employees which determines whether they will be more or less efficient.
Motivation, the bringing about an inner urge or desire in employees to work to the
best of their ability is an important function of management.
Concept of Motivation
Motivation may be defined as the complex forces inspiring a person at work to
intensify his willingness to use his maximum capabilities for the achievement of
certain objectives. In other words, motivation is something that motivates a person
into action and induces him to continue in the course of action enthusiastically. At
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the work, it determines the behavior of a person.
Dalton E. McFarland defines motivation as: Motivation refers to the way in which
urges, desires, drives, striving, aspirations, or needs direct, control or explain the
behavior of human being".
The term 'motivation' is derived from the word 'motive'. Motive may be defined as
wants, drives, needs or impulses within the individual. Motives are personal and
internal because it is an expression of a person's needs. The term 'need' should not
be associated with pressing desire or urgency for something. Simply it means
something within an individual that prompts him to action. Behavior of a person
starts from this needs or motives. These needs and motives start and maintain
activity and eventually it determine the direction of a person. These motives give
direction to human behavior because they are directed towards certain 'goals'
which may be conscious or sub-conscious.
The starting points in the motivation process are motives or needs of a person.
Motives are directed towards the achievement of certain goals which in turn
determine the behaviour of individuals. This behaviour ultimately leads to goal
directed activities such as preparing food and a goal activity such as eating food.
Unsatisfied needs result in tension within an individual and engage him search for
the way to relieve this tension. He will develop certain goals for himself and try to
achieve them. If he is successful in his attempt, certain other needs will emerge
which will lead to setting a new goal. But if he is unsuccessful he will engage
himself in either constructive or defensive behavior. This process keeps on
working within an individual.
Theories of Motivation
Content theories are also called needs theories, because they are generally
associated with a view that concentrates on the importance of determining 'what'
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motivates us. In other words they try to identify what our 'needs' are and relate
motivation to the fulfilling of these needs.
The basic premise of the theory is that we all have these five levels of needs and
that starting at the lowest level we are motivated to satisfy each level in ascending
order. As each level is sufficiently satisfied we are then motivated to satisfy the
next level in the hierarchy. The five different levels were further sub-categorised
into two main groups, these being:
Deficiency needs - Maslow considered these the very basic needs required for
survival and security. These needs include:
physiological needs
safety needs
social needs
Growth needs - These are needs associated with personal growth and fullfilment
of personal potential.
esteem needs
self-actualisation needs
In Maslow's theory we can never run out of motivation because the very top level,
self-actualisation, which relates to the achievement of our full potential, can never
be fully met.
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"Management Assumptions" (Theory X and Theory Y)
Douglas McGregor further developed the needs concept of Maslow and
specifically applied it to the workplace. McGregor maintained that every manager
made assumptions about their employees and adopted a management approach
based upon these assumptions. He maintained there were two main categories and
that managers adopted one or the other.
The first category, which he termed Theory X, he maintained was the dominant
management approach and assumed:
the average human being has an inherent dislike of work and will avoid it if
possible,
because of this most people needed to be coerced, controlled, directed and
threatened with punishment to get them to put adequate effort into the
achievement of organisational objectives, and
the average person prefers to be directed, wishes to avoid responsibility, has
very little ambition and wants security above all else.
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In most work organisations the abilities of most employees is only partially
utilised.
McGregor advocated that the application of Theory Y, would not only meet the
needs of the organisation but also those of the employee. He believed that Theory
X at best only met Maslows Deficiency needs, whilst Theory Y also met the
Growth Needs. You would thus have more motivated employees if you adopted
Theory Y.
Maslows theory has been widely embraced and taught within the business world
and few people who have attended a company supervision or basic management
training course are unlikely not to be familiar with this theory.
ERG Theory
Clayton Alderfer revised Maslow's theory in 1972. He reduced the levels in the
hierarchy from five to three and termed these Existence needs, Relatedness needs
and Growth needs. His most significant contribution, however, was to alter
Maslow's concept of a one-way progression up the hierarchy, to one that allowed
for regression to lower levels if these needs are no longer being met. This is a more
realistic approach as it recognises that, because a need is met, does not mean it will
always remain met. For example, if I were to remove all the air from the room you
are in, would you be motivated to keep learning?
(a) Need for achievement - where this is high then people have an intense desire to
succeed and an equally intense fear of failure.
(b) Need for affiliation - where this is high people tend to seek acceptance by
others, need to feel loved and are concerned with maintaining pleasant social
relationships.
(c) Need for power - people with a high need for power seek opportunities to
influence and control others, seek leadership positions and are often articulate,
outspoken and stubborn.
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affiliation. In other words, people with a high drive to succeed are more likely to
be more highly motivated than people with a low drive to succeed. He also
maintains that it is possible to arrange work situations and conditions to gain the
high motivational benefits from those with a high need for achievement—starting
by employing people with a high need for achievement.
achievement
recognition
work itself
responsibility
advancement
He termed these factors 'motivators' and related them back to growth needs.
These he termed 'hygiene factors' and equated them with deficiency needs.
His major impact was to argue that providing hygiene factors (more money, better
working conditions, etc) would not create more motivation, only less
dissatisfaction. Only motivators could motivate.
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Criticism of the content theories
Despite their wide use and impact on the workplace, major criticisms exist of these
theories. Whilst specific criticisms can be leveled at particular theories, the
following general criticisms apply to all of the content theories.
Work focus - the theories tend to assume that our workplaces are the places
(and only places) where our needs and personal development is met. They
ignore the importance of other aspects of our lives and their impact on our
work lives.
Individual differences and stability over time - not only do the theories
ignore the significance of individual differences but they largely fail to
recognise that individual needs are constantly changing, and consequently
what may be a motivator one day may not the next. Their static nature
doesn't relate to the real world.
Process simplicity - The theories assume that the connection between needs
and behaviour is non-problematic. They ignore the processes that must be
evaluated and implemented to achieve the desired end result. Overall they
are far too simplistic to account for the complexity of the real world and the
complex decision making process that individual must often make in the
motivation process.
Despite these criticisms, these theories have been critical in focusing attention on
the area of motivation and the importance of 'needs'. They have helped managers
evaluate their own perceptions about their employees and themselves. They have
also helped to provide a basis for further study in this area.
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The Process Theories of Motivation
Whereas the content theories concentrate on the question of 'what' motivates, the
process theories address more the issues relating to how the process works and
sustains itself over time, such as factors that determine the degree of effort, the
continuation of effort, the modification of effort, etc. As with content theory, there
are a number of process theories. These include:
Equity theory
Expectancy theory
Adams’Equity theory
In this theory employee constantly assesses their level of effort against fellow
workers and the reward they receive for their effort. If they perceive there is a
significant difference between their level of effort and their fellow workers, they
will endeavour to bring about equality of effort for everyone—by adjusting up or
down their own performance or by taking measures to adjust the level of their
fellow workers. Likewise, the relative reward for effort is also monitored. The
message for managers is that employees need to be seen to be rewarded on a fair
and equitable basis, and inequities quickly adjusted.
Expectancy Theory
This has been an important theory in the history of the study of motivation.
Vroom’s expectancy theory highlights that motivation is partly a decision-making
process that evaluates effort for outcomes. It highlights the involvement of the
active cognitive processes and user choice in the process. It also highlights the
importance of the outcome representing a valued reward for the individual
involved.
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the expectation that rewards (desired outcomes) will be related to
performance.
There must also be the expectation that rewards are available. These relationships
determine the
strength of the motivational link.
the strength of the individual’s preference for an outcome
the belief in the likelihood that particular actions will achieve the required
goal
The model thus suggests that using individual theories will not work. A more
integrated approach is needed. It also differs from content theories, particularly
'two factor' theory, in suggesting that performance leads to job satisfaction, rather
than job satisfaction leading to performance
The complexity of the model, and the need to evaluate and provide valued rewards
on an individual basis, are practical limitations. However it is difficult to argue
with the process of the model. The area of motivation is complex and the model
highlights this—rather than presenting an unrealistically simple approach, as is the
case with many of the alternative theories.
Basically, Porter and Lawler’s model (shown below) shows that the amount of
effort generated depends upon: the value of the reward, the amount of effort seen
to be necessary, the probability of receiving the reward
The amount of effort deemed necessary and the probability of receiving the reward
are in turn influenced by the individual’s record of performance to date, and range
of skills, personality, perception of his role, and any number of other environment
factors.
Skills, Abilities
and Personality
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Value for Reward
Performance
Effort
Probability of
achieving reward
Role Perception
(a) external rewards that are given by others and form part of the job situation (eg
wages, status, security)
(b) intrinsic rewards which the individual manager awards himself. These arise
from the performance of the tasks (eg feelings of self-esteem, accomplishment)
Organizational Control
Controlling is the process whereby managers monitor and regulate how efficiently
and effectively an organization and its members are performing the activities
necessary to achieve organizational goals.
In controlling, managers monitor and evaluate whether their organization’s
strategy and structure are working as intended, how they could be improved, and
how they might be changed if they are not working. Control involves keeping an
organization on track and anticipating events that might occur. It is also involved
with keeping employees motivated, focused upon important problems facing the
organization, and working together to take advantage of opportunities.
Types of Control
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Management can implement controls before an activity commences, while the
activity is going on, or after the activity has been completed. The three respective
types of control based on timing are feedforward, concurrent, and feedback.
Feedforward Control
Feedforward control focuses on the regulation of inputs (human, material, and
financial resources that flow into the organization) to ensure that they meet the
standards necessary for the transformation process.
However, some authors use term "steering control" as separate types of control.
This types of controls are designed to detect deviation some standard or goal to
allow correction to be made before a particular sequence of actions is completed.
Concurrent Control
Concurrent control takes place while an activity is in progress. It involves the
regulation of ongoing activities that are part of transformation process to ensure
that they conform to organizational standards. Concurrent control is designed to
ensure that employee work activities produce the correct results.
Feedback Control
This type of control focuses on the outputs of the organization after transformation
is complete. Sometimes called postaction or output control, fulfils a number of
important functions. For one thing, it often is used when feedforward and
concurrent controls are not feasible or are too costly.
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Sometimes, feedback is the only viable type of control available. Moreover,
feedback has two advantages over feedforward and concurrent control. First,
feedback provides managers with meaningful information on how effective its
planning effort was. If feedback indicates little variance between standard and
actual performance, this is evidence that planning was generally on target.
If the deviation is great, a manager can use this information when formulating new
plans to make them more effective. Second, feedback control can enhance
employees’ motivation.
The major drawback of this type of control is that, the time the manager has the
information and if there is significant problem the damage is already done. But for
many activities, feedback control fulfils a number of important functions.
1. Without a control system in place, managers have no idea how their organization
is performing and how its performance can be improved.
2. Organizational control is important in determining the quality of goods and
services because it gives managers feedback on product quality.
3. Effective managers create a control system that consistently monitors the quality
of goods and services so that they can make continuous improvements to quality.
4. By developing a control system to evaluate how well customer-contact
employees are performing their jobs, managers can make their organizations more
responsive to customers.
5. Monitoring employee behavior can help managers find ways to increase
employees’ performance levels.
6. Controlling can raise the level of innovation in an organization by deciding on
the appropriate control systems to encourage risk taking.
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THE MANAGERIAL ROLE CONCEPT
Organisation
Types of Organizations
Forms of organisation
Formal Organisation is formed when two or more persons come together. They
have a common objective or goal. They are willing to work together to achieve this
similar objective.
Formal Organisation has its own rules and regulation. These rules must be
followed by the members (employees and managers). A formal organisation has a
system of co-ordination. It also has a system of authority. It has a clear superior-
subordinate relationship. In a formal organisation, the objectives are specific and
well-defined. All the members are given specific duties and responsibilities.
Examples of formal organisation are:- a company, a school, a college, a bank, etc.
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Importance/Advantages
(1) Easy to Fix Accountability: Since the authority and responsibility of all the
employees have been already fixed, inefficient employees can easily be
apprehended and in this way their accountability can be fixed.
(4) Easy to Get Goals: It is easy to achieve the goals of the organisation because
there is an optimum use of all the material and human resources.
(5) Stability in Organisation: All the people work by observing rules and remain
confined within the domain of their authority. This leads to the establishment of
good relationship which, in turn, leads to stability to the organisation.
A formal organization has many advantages both for its internal and external
environment but it has some disadvantages too. The common disadvantages can be
listed as follows:
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4. Quality of decision: Sometimes the quality of the decision made in the top
management may not be most compatible for the company but the chance of
correction is very scarce.
5. Slowness in Problem detection and processing: As every procedure goes
through lot of formalities any problem detected in the operation level can’t
be instantly corrected. The right process will take some time to detect the
problem and correction and its implementation. In such a process the
organization may suffer financial loss.
An informal organisation does not have its own rules and regulation. It has no
system of co-ordination and authority. It does not have any superior-subordinate
relationship nor any specific and well-defined objectives. Here in informal
organisation, communication is done through the grapevine.
1. Formed by Whom?
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2. Rules and Regulations
The members of a formal organisation have to follow certain rules and regulations.
These rules are available in writing (documented). They are made by a formal
authority (superiors). If the members follow these rules properly, then they will be
rewarded. However, if they do not follow these rules, they will be punished.
The members of an informal organisation do not have to follow any rules and
regulations.
4. Objectives or Goals
In a formal organisation, the objectives or goals are specific and well-defined. The
main objectives of a formal organisation are productivity, growth, and expansion.
In an informal organisation, the objectives are not specific and well-defined. The
main objectives of an informal organisation are friendship, security, common
interest, individual and group satisfaction, etc.
5. Stability
6. Channels of Communication
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7. Organisation Chart
8. Superior-Subordinate Relationship
The members of the formal organisation get financial benefits and perks like wages
or salaries, bonus, travelling allowances, health insurance, etc.
The members of informal organisation get social and personal benefits like friend
circle, community, groups, etc.
Not all stakeholders are equal. A company's customers are entitled to fair trading
practices but they are not entitled to the same consideration as the company's
employees.
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An example of a negative impact on stakeholders is when a company needs to cut
costs and plans a round of layoffs. This negatively affects the community of
workers in the area and therefore the local economy. Someone owning shares in a
business such as Microsoft is positively affected, for example, when the company
releases a new device and sees their profit and therefore stock price rise.
The concept of CSR is underpinned by the idea that corporations can no longer act
as isolated economic entities operating in detachment from broader society.
Traditional views about competitiveness, survival and profitability are being swept
away.
In the past, governments have relied on legislation and regulation to deliver social
and environmental objectives in the business sector. Shrinking government
resources, coupled with a distrust of regulations, has led to the exploration of
voluntary and non-regulatory initiatives instead.
There is evidence that the ethical conduct of companies exerts a growing influence
on the purchasing decisions of customers. In a recent survey by Environics
International, more than one in five consumers reported having either rewarded or
punished companies based on their perceived social performance.
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4. Growing investor pressure
Investors are changing the way they assess companies' performance, and are
making decisions based on criteria that include ethical concerns. The Social
Investment Forum reports that in the US in 1999, there was more than $2 trillion
worth of assets invested in portfolios that used screens linked to the environment
and social responsibility. A separate survey by Environics International revealed
that more than a quarter of share-owning Americans took into account ethical
considerations when buying and selling stocks. (More on socially responsible
investment can be found in the 'Banking and investment' section of the site.)
Employees are increasingly looking beyond paychecks and benefits, and seeking
out employers whose philosophies and operating practices match their own
principles. In order to hire and retain skilled employees, companies are being
forced to improve working conditions.
6. Supplier relations
Some of the positive outcomes that can arise when businesses adopt a policy of
social responsibility include:
1. Company benefits:
Charitable contributions;
Employee volunteer programmes;
Corporate involvement in community education, employment and
homelessness programmes;
Product safety and quality.
3. Environmental benefits:
Nevertheless, many companies continue to overlook CSR in the supply chain - for
example by importing and retailing timber that has been illegally harvested. While
governments can impose embargos and penalties on offending companies, the
organizations themselves can make a commitment to sustainability by being more
discerning in their choice of suppliers.
The concept of corporate social responsibility is now firmly rooted on the global
business agenda. But in order to move from theory to concrete action, many
obstacles need to be overcome.
A key challenge facing business is the need for more reliable indicators of progress
in the field of CSR, along with the dissemination of CSR strategies. Transparency
and dialogue can help to make a business appear more trustworthy, and push up the
standards of other organizations at the same time.
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The Global Reporting Initiative is an international, multi-stakeholder effort to
create a common framework for voluntary reporting of the economic,
environmental, and social impact of organization-level activity. Its mission is to
improve the comparability and credibility of sustainability reporting worldwide.
The 'Working with NGOs' section offers some insights into the way businesses and
lobby groups are working together to mutual benefit.
ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
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3. Co-ordination: The structure is an effective means of harmonising
individual and group efforts towards the accomplishment of individual and
groups objectives.
LIMITATIONS/DISADVANTAGES OF ORGANISATIONAL
STRUCTURE
3. Misleading: The structure at a glance might indicate that all those on the
same management levels have the same authority and of equal status.
However, some are more superior to others.
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organisation can be illustrated in the vertical organisational chat
shown below.
CHIEF EXCUTIVE
1. The structure does not provide specialist staff assistance for the line
managers.
2. It is not flexible.
3. Duties of staff are so limited that they do not gain the broad experience
needed for assuming managerial position.
4. The system is not suitable for large organisations where duties of
managers are made more complex.
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B. FUNCTIONAL STRUCTURE: The functional manager has an
authority which enables him to control all those performing work relating to
his function irrespective of where they are working. The auditing manager
for instance has the responsibility to audit activities all over the place
irrespective of where it is performed and so is the maintenance manager.
Below is a Functional Organisation Structure.
FUNCTIONAL ORGANISATION STRUCTURE
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C. LINE AND STAFF STRUCTURE: As the company keeps expanding,
its operations and management becomes complex. There is thus the need to
employ specialist to assist the line managers.
The staff managers are thus specialists who are employed to advice the line
managers. The advice may be accepted, rejected or modified by the line
managers.
MANAGING DIRECTOR
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1. There is the danger of line personnel managers undermining the staff
personnel by refusing to take the advice given to the staff personnel.
2. There can be risk of misunderstanding or misinterpretation when
instructions are given to workers by experts.
3. Duties might not be clearly defined and this can cause confusion among
junior staff.
4. Conflict between line managers and staff managers can prevent a
business from moving forward.
MATRIX ORGANIZATION.
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Linear-functional structure-based project organization
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Factors affecting organisation structure
The "structure" of any organisation is the way in which the work required to
achieve the organisation's mission is divided into "jobs" that are then allocated to
individuals to fulfil.
However there are factors that will likely influence the makeup of the
organisation's workforce. Among the more important factors are:
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These factors are :
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An organisation with a mission to provide service will be
structured differently to an organisation that exists
The mission of primarily to sell products.An organisation that is a non-
the organisation profit organisation will be structured differently to an
organisation that is a for-profit business.
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need for money does not subside.
ORGANISATIONAL CHARTS
1. Vertical charts: These refer to charts that are drawn from top to bottom.
The top
executives are shown at the top of the chart and the lowest at the bottom .
VERTICAL CHART
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MANAGING DIRECTOR
GENERAL MANAGER
. Horizontal
2PRODUCTION charts: These refer to charts that ADVERTISING
FACTORY
are drawn from left
SALES
to right. The
top executives are shown on the extreme left, followed by successive managers and
PLANNING
OFFICER
OFFICER OFFICER OFFICER
the lowest subordinates at the extreme right. The diagram of horizontal chart is
drawn simply by rotating the vertical chart 90° anti-Clock wise (left).
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3. Circular charts: These refer to charts that are drawn in circular forms. The
highest position is indicated in the inner most circle and the lowest in the outer
most circle. The diagram below represents a circular chart.
CIRCULAR CHART
MD
4.17 4.27
677 677 3
4.37
677
2 1
KEY:
1. – Production Department
2. - Finance Department
3. - Personnel Department
4. - Marketing Department
4.1 - Advertising
4.2 - Sales
4.3 - Market Research
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1. It helps to show the channel of communication flow. The lines show the formal
communication flow in the company.
2. It also helps to show superior-subordinate relationship, that is who reports to
whom in the organisation.
3. The chart also indicates the management levels. All workers who report to the
same superior are on the same level of management regardless of where they may
appear on the chart.
4. The chart reveals the span of management control, that is, the number of
subordinates who report to a superior.
5. It enables management to pin point areas of organisational defects for corrective
action to be taken.
6. The chart enables employees and others to see at a glance how the organisation
is structured.
1. The chart does not show many or it obscures them. For instance, it does not
show who has the greater degree of authority and responsibility at each
management level.
3. People read into charts things the charts do not intend to show. For instance
employees may infer status and powers on the basis of distance from the managing
director’s box.
4. The chart may at times be misleading in many respects. For instance, the
secretary to the managing director has no formal relationships with the functional
heads yet (s)he may determine their futures with the company.
PRINCIPLE OF ORGANISATION
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2. Specialisation : Every single individual in the organisation should be asked to
perform only one type of function (work). This function should be related to his
educational background, training, work-experience, ability, etc., in other words,
there should be a division of work and specialization in the organisation. This will
increase the efficiency, productivity and profitability of the organisation.
3. Co-ordination
The efforts of all the individuals, departments, levels, etc. should be co-coordinated
towards the common objectives of the organisation. Therefore, managers must try
to achieve co-ordination.
4. Authority
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5. Responsibility
6. Span of Control
Span of control means the maximum number of subordinates which one superior
can manage effectively. The span of control should be as small as possible.
Generally, at the top level, the span of control should be 1:6, while at the lower
level, it should be 1:20. Span of control depends on many factors such as nature of
job, ability of superior, skill of subordinate, etc.
7. Balance
There should be a proper balance between the different levels, functions and
departments of the organisation. Similarly, there should be a proper balance
between centralisation and decentralisation, authority and responsibility, etc. If
there is no balance between these factors then the organisation will not function
smoothly.
8. Chain of Command
The chain of command should be very short. That is, there should be very few
levels of management. If not, there will be many communication problems and
delays in execution of workflow.
9. Delegation
10. Continuity
The organisation structure should have continuity. That is, the enterprise should be
able to use the organisation structure for a long period of time. The organisation
structure should be able to achieve not only present objectives but also future
objectives of the enterprise.
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11. Remuneration
CENTRALISATION
This refers to the concentration of authority in a single unit so that major decisions
are made by that single unit. This means the control and detail instruction with
regards to what should be done, how it should be done etc. is done by the head
office. ling, typing, mailing, duplicating etc. can be centralised.
ADVANTAGES OF CENTRALISATION
DECENTRALISATION
ADVANTAGES OF DECENTRALISATION
1. Most services are carried out to meet the special needs of individual
departments.
2. Confidential work can be carried out without inconveniences.
3. There is reduction in errors since staffs in decentralised units are more
conversant with documents and operations they handle.
4. Pressure on office staff is reduced in terms of urgency.
5. It enhances innovations since initiative can be exercise in decentrlised units.
DISADVANTAGES OF DECENTRALISATION
1. The movement from unit to unit to perform control and supervisory jobs renders
these activities ineffective.
2. The cost of creating decentralised units is expensive than cetralised unit.
3. Uneconomical use of machines and equipment since each decentralised unit
must be provided with office equipment and machines which may not be fully
used.
4. There is no uniformity in work procedure since each department adopts its own
procedure in office services.
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5. Staff absence adversely affects work in the department since there may be no
one to take over the work.
Delegation
According to F.C. Moore, "Delegation means assigning work to the others and
giving them authority to do so."
According to O. S. Miner, "Delegation takes place when one person gives
another the right to perform work on his behalf and in his name and the second
person accepts a corresponding duty or obligation to do that is required of him."
According to Louis Allen, "Delegation is the dynamics of management, it is the
process a manager follows in dividing the work assigned to him so that he
performs that part which only he, because of his unique organizational placement,
can perform effectively, and so that he can get others to help him with what remain
Delegation is not a process of abdication. The person who delegates does not
divorce himself from the responsibility and authority with which he is entrusted.
He remains accountable for the overall performance and also for the performance
of his subordinates. Delegation is needed when the volume of work to be done is in
excess of an individual's physical and mental capacity.
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(A) Obstacles / Barriers on the Part of Manager / Superior / Delegator
1. Unwillingness of the manager to delegate authority : Some
superiors/managers tend to think that they can do the job better when they
themselves handle the job. The attitude that 'I can do it better myself' on
the part of superior acts as an obstacle to delegation. Some managers
(superiors) who are autocratic and power worshippers feel that delegation
will lead to reduction of their influence in the Organisation. A manager may
feel that if he has a competent subordinate and if he delegates authority to
the subordinate, quite likely he will outshine him (manager) and may be
promoted.
2. Fear of competition : A manager may feel that if he has a competent
subordinate and if he delegates authority to the subordinate, quite likely he
will outshine him. Fear of subordinate's excellence may come in the way of
delegation.
3. Lack of confidence in subordinates : A manager may hesitate to delegate
authority, if he feels that his subordinate is not competent to deal with the
problem and take decisions. Even fear of losing control over the
subordinates acts as an obstacle to delegation. In addition, fear of being
exposed due to personal shortcomings may act as an obstacle in the process
of delegation.
4. Lack of ability to direct : Sometimes, a manager may experience difficulty in
directing the efforts of his subordinates because of his inability to identify
and communicate the essential features of his long-range plans and
programmes.
5. Absence of controls that warn of coming troubles : An Organisation might
not have developed the controlling techniques to know in advance the
serious problems lying ahead. It may happen due to concentration of power
in the hands of few people. As a result, manager may resist delegation.
6. Conservative and cautious temperament of the manager : If a manager has a
conservative and over-cautious approach, there will be psychological barrier
in the way of delegation. A manager avoids delegation as he feels that
something may go wrong even when the instructions given are clear and the
subordinates are reliable.
7. Desire to dominate subordinates : Managers (Superiors) normally, have a
desire to dominate the subordinates functioning under their control. They
feel that their domination will reduce if the powers are delegated to
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subordinates. They also feel that due to delegation, the subordinates will
know their managerial deficiencies. In order to maintain their superior status
and in order to dominate the subordinates, they avoid delegation itself.
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7. Poor superior-subordinate relations : Absence of cordial relations in between
the superior and the subordinates hampers the process of delegation of
authority. The attitude of the superior towards subordinate may not be
friendly but hostile. There may be undue interference in the work assigned to
the subordinate. Even the good work of subordinate may not be appreciated
by the superior. Such situation creates unfavorable attitude of subordinate
towards delegation. He avoids delegation as and when offered.
8. Undue interference by superior : A superior should not interfere in the duties
delegated to the subordinate. He may offer guidance as and when asked for.
Some superiors interfere in the work of his subordinate and try to control
him often and again. In the absence of legitimate freedom, the subordinate
becomes uneasy and prefers to remain away from the process of delegation.
9. Fear of being exposed : Some subordinates may have inferiority complex.
They feel that they have limited capacity to accept the challenges which are
bound to come out to delegation. They feel that their inability to deal with
new problems will be exposed due to delegation. This fear acts as an
obstacle to delegation.
Co-ordination
Co-ordination Techniques
Establishing Structure
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Planning Tasks
Communicating Decisions
Aligning Activities
Developing and marketing a new product takes time and planning. To achieve an
aggressive deadline, several teams may be working in parallel. Coordinating the
efforts requires an effective liaison, ensuring supplies are ordered and delivered in
time to use in production activities. Volunteers may contribute to completing
checklists or formal quality control processes can be implemented to coordinate
work flow effectively.
Importance of coordination
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2. Increase in efficiency and economy: – coordination brings efficiency because
it is an effort of all organizational members. It also helps to maintain good relation
among all levels of management.
Organisational Culture
The values and behaviors that contribute to the unique social and psychological
environment of an organization.
(1) the ways the organization conducts its business, treats its employees,
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customers, and the wider community,
(2) the extent to which freedom is allowed in decision making, developing new
ideas, and personal expression,
(3) how power and information flow through its hierarchy, and
(4) how committed employees are towards collective objectives.
Before we get into the specific details of the different types of cultures, there are
two overarching models that companies will fall into, strong culture and weak
culture. In a strong culture, employees have a sense of empowerment and
understanding of the company goals, regulations and philosophy. This kind of
culture allows employees to be driven and feel respected which benefits the overall
health of a company. In a weak organizational culture, employees are lost,
unmotivated and operate under a regime of fear. Fear may motivate individuals but
not for long and for all of the wrong reasons. Employees should never feel like
they will be wrongly reprimanded for making mistakes or needing a little extra
guidance.
Academy Culture
The name says it all. Academy culture depends on employees who are highly
skilled, studious and welcome further training and advancement. This type of work
place environment thrives off of intense training for employees being brought on
board and ongoing training for the employees already there. Organizations that
choose to follow this culture are very particular about who they hire, their existing
skill sets and their willingness to learn and grow. This format of management
keeps turn-over rates low and the employees eager to do their job to the best of
their ability. Many hospitals, universities and other educational institutions rely on
academy culture to stay up to date on the newest information and technology.
Normative Culture
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This is your everyday corporate workplace. Normative culture is very cut and dry,
following strict regulations and guidelines that uphold the policies of the
organization. Employees rarely deviate from their specific job role, break rules or
do anything other than what is asked of them. These type of organizations run a
tight ship and are not suited for every type of employee. Know anything about The
Carrot, The Whip or The Plant? These are object-oriented approaches to
motivating your employees. Learn more about these techniques and others in
Motivating Employees.
Pragmatic Culture
You know that saying the customer is always right? Well, that is the first and only
rule of a pragmatic culture workplace. The customer or client comes before
anything or anyone else. Because every customer is different, these type of work
places are very opposite of the normative culture environment as employees don’t
adhere to strict rules. Whatever the customer wants, the customer gets (within
reason, of course).
Club Culture
Nothing but the best. This type of culture requires employees to be very skilled and
competent in their niche of work. Educational qualifications, prior work experience
and even personal interests are taken into consideration before an employee is
hired. (Learn effective hiring methods if your organization follows club culture.)
Club culture can be seen in organizations like the FBI, commercial pilots and
specialty branches of the military. The hiring process can be pretty intense for
these work environments, requiring multiple interviews, a stellar resume (and
references to back it up), background checks and so on. The upside of being a part
of a club culture is your hard work will pay off. These types of employers often
reward hard work with promotions but with that are frequent appraisals of your
work and role within the company.
This could be the best type of organizational culture from an employee’s stand
point. Remember how pragmatic culture focuses on the customers? Well, baseball
team environments say it’s all about the employees. As long as the workers are
happy, comfortable and feel respected, the work will get done and the employees
will want to stick with the company for the long haul. Google is a good example of
a baseball team culture, the employees get to pretty much do what they want, soup
up their offices with whatever makes them feel creative – and it’s on the company
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dime. Company outings are a regular thing, social events within the office and
incentives are a big component of this type of culture. Sounds good, right?
Fortress Culture
Contrary to baseball culture, fortress culture could be the worst (or the best if
you’re really good at what you do) for employees. This type environment is all
about the numbers. If the organization is doing well as a result of the employee’s
productivity then the employees continue to have a job. If the organization begins
to see a downfall in success then the individuals that aren’t pulling their weight are
terminated. An example of a company that follows this structure is WorldStrides
and more specifically their sales department. Salespeople have a very important
job to do, they seek out business, secure business and retain business. If a
salesperson is not fulfilling their quota or cannot meet the demands of the
department then the company will replace them in hopes of a better outcome with
someone else. Another downside to this type of work culture is the time and money
invested in training these employees. With such a high termination rate these
companies will hire a new set of people and be forced to train them only to find out
they cannot stay up to speed. However, if you are good at what you do you will
often be praised and will not have to worry about job security.
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instead find tactful ways to say what you need to say in Performance Evaluation
Comments.
Process Culture
This type of office culture provides a set of regulations and procedures that the
employees follow. It’s different than the normative culture as the regulations are
not a bullet-pointed list of do’s and don’ts so much as it is an ideology that the
employees adhere to. Employees know what they are getting into when they sign-
up and are often self-starters. Unlike tough guy culture, these employees are not
micro-managed and they rarely are given performance reviews. If they are given
reviews it’s annually and it’s to assess their work on a large scale, their aspirations
within the company and potentially a discussion about salary. More often than not,
government agencies run operate under the process culture.
This culture is for the patient risk-takers. Organizations that follow this culture are
known to literally bet the success or failure of their company on single decisions of
which the outcome is completely unknown. It can be a wild ride working for this
type of company as you don’t know what each day is going to bring. The
consequences of the decisions made by the individuals working in the bet-your-
company culture can be so dire that the company goes under; contrarily, they can
be so excellent that the company thrives more than ever before.
Now you see that there are many different types of culture that develop within a
company. Some companies practice more than one of these and some are strictly
one of the above. Overall, rooting your employees on while ensuring the customers
are happy is the best balanced culture there is. Try talking to your employees about
what they like and dislike about the work place and you can begin understanding
what changes need to be made for the health of your organization.
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According to Robert E. Quinn and Kim S. Cameron at the University of Michigan
at Ann Arbor, there are four types of organizational culture: Clan, Adhocracy,
Market, and Hierarchy.
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Hierarchy oriented cultures are structured and controlled, with a focus on
efficiency, stability and “doing things right.”
For example, Quinn and Cameron associate the lower two cultures (Hierarchy and
Market) with a principal focus on stability and the upper two (Clan and
Adhocracy) with flexibility and adaptability. A Hierarchy culture based on control
will lead mainly to incremental change, while a focus on Adhocracy will more
typically lead to breakthrough change.
The right culture will be one that closely fits the direction and strategy of a
particular organization as it confronts its own issues and the challenges of a
particular time.
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neglected or left out at the workplace. It is essential for the employees to
adjust well in the organization culture for them to deliver their level best.
The work culture unites the employees who are otherwise from different
back grounds, families and have varied attitudes and mentalities. The
culture gives the employees a sense of unity at the workplace.
Certain organizations follow a culture where all the employees irrespective of their
designations have to step into the office on time. Such a culture encourages the
employees to be punctual which eventually benefits them in the long run. It is the
culture of the organization which makes the individuals a successful professional.
Every employee is clear with his roles and responsibilities and strives hard
to accomplish the tasks within the desired time frame as per the set
guidelines. Implementation of policies is never a problem in organizations
where people follow a set culture. The new employees also try their level
best to understand the work culture and make the organization a better place
to work.
The work culture promotes healthy relationship amongst the employees.
No one treats work as a burden and moulds himself according to the culture.
It is the culture of the organization which extracts the best out of each
team member. In a culture where management is very particular about the
reporting system, the employees however busy they are would send their
reports by end of the day. No one has to force anyone to work. The culture
develops a habit in the individuals which makes them successful at the
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Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is also known as corporate citizenship,
corporate philanthropy, corporate giving, corporate community involvement,
community relations, community affairs, community development, corporate
responsibility, global citizenship, and corporate social marketing.
Corporate social responsibility has stepped boldly and unabashedly into the
limelight in the 21st century, with many firms professing an undying love for CSR.
But has it always been so?
Scholars note that for many years, the concept of social responsibility has been the
object of intense ideologically influenced debates:
Antagonists have asserted that the business of business should remain business —
simply making profits; while protagonists have spoken of the firm’s responsibility
to maintain an equitable and working balance among the claims of the various
directly interested groups — stockholders, employees, customers and the public at
large.
It is now widely accepted that corporate governance and its CSR component has
moved from the profit-centred model to the socially responsible model, a concept
referring to the way in which companies exercise responsibility and accountability
for the economic, social and environmental impact of their business decisions and
behaviours.
Consequently, Henry Ford can boldly assert that a good company delivers
excellent products and services, but a great company does all that and also strives
to make the world a better place.
a) Invisible hand
c) Hand of Management
The Invisible Hand: The chief spokesperson for the invisible hand or classical
perspective of CSR is economist Milton Friedman, but its root can be traced back
to eighteen century Adams Smith. The invisible hand view holds that the entire
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social responsibility can be summed up as “make profit and obey the law”.
According to this view, each corporation should actively attempt to increase profit
through legal means. In this way corporate responsibility will be guided by the
invisible hand of free market forces which ultimately ensures that resources are
allocated efficiently for the betterment of society. Otherwise, business executives
will take on the right to allocate resources, thereby gaining excessive power while
having little accountability to society for their allocation decisions.
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2. Survival motive: It is in the best interest of a business organization to promote
and improve the community where it does business. Social responsibility increases
the viability of the business. If a business fails to take initiative in helping society
solve their problems. Society will retaliate by organizing product boycotts and
protest. This can lead to the closure of the business.
3. Moral (Ethical) obligation: Since the activities of many businesses have adverse
effect on the society, many businesses see it as a moral obligation to be socially
responsible. Eg providing employment and infrastructure among others in the
society.
4. Legal requirement: Businesses behave responsibly to maintain an orderly legal
society in order to avoid government intervention.
5.Subsidies and tax incentives: Some businesses have enjoyed government
incentives in a form of either government subsidies or tax holidays or tax rebates
for been socially responsible.
The balancing of all the dimensions stated above will enhance enlighten self
interest for the organization.
Enlighten self interest states that it is in the best interest of an organization to act in
ways the community consider socially responsible.
Ethical Responsibility
Business ethics are rules of conduct accepted to those directly involved and the
community at large. These rules are based on values, rights, duties and moral
concepts which spell out what a business organization feels it is right to do when
conducting business activities.
Ethics are principles of conduct within an organization that guides decision
analysis and behaviours. Each organization must also be concern about business
conduct. Ethics are also important for business because it is a pre-requisite for a
good business. Code of business ethics provides the bases in which policies can be
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derived to guide daily behaviour and decision in the work place. Examples of
business ethics may include the following.
Avoiding nepotism in matters concerning promotions and transfers etc.
Avoiding scape goating when one knows that one has committed an
offence and not the other.
Avoiding excessive secrecy when one knows that revelation of vital
information to a firm is vital for its success.
Avoiding discrimination on irrelevant grounds.
Avoiding decision taken without consultation.
Avoiding falsification of records.
Ethical Tools
1. Values: Values are broad ideas regarding what is desirable, correct and good
that most members of society share. Values are so general and abstract that they do
not explicitly specify which behaviours are acceptable and which are not. Instead,
values provides us with criteria and conception by which we evaluate people,
objects and events as to their relative worth, merit, duty or morality (Zanden
1990:33)
2. Right: It refers to things or possessions or properties that cannot be taken away
from one because the moral and legal laws are backing the entitlement of such
things, possessions or properties.
3. Norms: They are defined as social rules that specify appropriate and
inappropriate behavior in a given situations. They tell us what we should not aught
not and must not do. Norms are both prescription, which are the definition of the
acceptable and proscription which are definition of act which are not acceptable.
4. Morals: They are simply doing the right things ie things that are naturally
acceptable by a given society.
COMMUNICATION
Communication in business refers to the process by which information is
transmitted between individuals and organisations so that an understanding
response or feedback results. It may also be explained as the practice whereby
people in an organisation exchange information or give instructions concerning the
operation of business. This implies that the process of communication involves the
passing on of ideas from one person to another, the latter who is the receiver
accurately getting the same ideas as was passed on and the transmitter being
assured of the accurate reproduction of ideas so transmitted by a feedback from the
receiver. The ideas so transmitted may be done orally, written or by gesture. It is a
two-way process of reaching mutual understanding, in which participants not only
exchange (encode-decode) information, news, ideas and feelings but also create
and share meaning. In general, communication is a means of connecting people or
places. In business, it is a key function of management--an organization cannot
operate without communication between levels, departments and employees.
Communication is the exchange and flow of information and ideas from one
person to another; it involves a sender transmitting an idea, information, or feeling
to a receiver (U.S. Army, 1983).
During the transmitting of the message, two elements will be received: content and
context. Content is the actual words or symbols of the message that is known as
language — the spoken and written words combined into phrases that make
grammatical and semantic sense. We all use and interpret the meanings of words
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differently, so even simple messages can be misunderstood. And many words have
different meanings to confuse the issue even more.
Some leaders think they have communicated once they told someone to do
something, “I don't know why it did not get done. I told Jim to do it.” More than
likely, Jim misunderstood the message. A message has NOT been communicated
unless it is understood by the receiver (decoded). How do you know it has been
properly received? By two-way communication or feedback. This feedback tells
the sender that the receiver understood the message, its level of importance, and
what must be done with it. Communication is an exchange, not a give, as all parties
must participate to complete the information exchange.
DIRECTION OF COMMUNICATION
Vertical Communication
This is how information from superiors gets to subordinates and from subordinates
to superiors, that is to say downwards and upwards respectively. Vertical
communication occurs between hierarchically positioned persons and can involve
both downward and upward communication flows. Downward communication is
more prevalent than upward communication. Larkin and Larkin (1994) suggest that
downward communication is most effective if top managers communicate directly
with immediate supervisors and immediate supervisors communicate with their
staff. A wealth of evidence shows that increasing the power of immediate
supervisors increases both satisfaction and performance among employees. One
way to give supervisors power is to communicate directly with them and to have
them provide input to decisions. Ensuring that supervisors are informed about
organizational issues/changes before staff in general, and then allowing them to
communicate these issues/changes to their staff, helps reinforce their position of
power. When the supervisor is perceived as having power, employees have greater
trust in the supervisor, greater desire for communication with the supervisor, and
are more likely to believe that the information coming from the supervisor is
accurate (Roberts and O’Reilly 1974).
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Downward Communication is more than passing on information to subordinates. It
may involve effectively managing the tone of the message, as well as showing skill
in delegation to ensure the job is done effectively by the right person. Although the
content priorities of downward communication have not been definitively
demonstrated, there is some level of certainty with respect to the best approach to
downward communication.
Horizontal or Lateral
This is how communication takes place between people of the same rank, in the
same section of a department or in different section of a department. Horizontal
communication involves communication among persons who do not stand in
hierarchical relation to one another. The horizontal type of communication can also
be called the lateral communication. It is a type of communication in which
workers or managers who have the same level of authority in an organization
communicate directly among themselves. For instance, a good example of a
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horizontal communication can be as follows: When a Human Resource manager
communicates directly to a Production Manager. These two are people at the same
level of authority within the organization or business. However, with the greater
importance of teams, more attention is now being directed at communication
between team members. Lateral communications between workers in different
functional areas is also becoming a bigger concern as greater attention is being
directed at increasing the speed of production through simultaneous, as opposed to
sequential, work processes. And there is greater emphasis on communication
across distributed workers and geographically separated work groups doing similar
kinds of work in an attempt to promote learning and the sharing of expertise, best
practices, and lessons learned.
Diagonal Communication
Bypassing Communication
The bypassing channel of communication normally happens as a result of either
urgency or privacy of a particular piece of information being delivered. This type
of information as the name suggests, happens when lower employees bypass
middle managers and communicate directly with a higher level manager or vice
versa. Most of the times, the main reason this form of communication is used
within an organization is because an issue is so urgent that a shorter route is needed
to get the message to the final recipient.
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Communication Tools
1. Voice 8. Audio tape-recorder
2. Video tape-recorder 9. Typewriter
3. Telephone 10. Intercom
4. Film 11. Public address system
5. Loud-speakers 12. Motorola
6. Computer 13. Overhead projector
7. Posters 14. Notice board
Types of Communication
Based on style and purpose, there are two main categories of communication and
they both bears their own characteristics. Communication types based on style and
purpose are:
1. Formal Communication
2. Informal Communication
Formal Communication
Informal communication
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finding out staff grievances as people express more when talking informally.
Informal communication helps in building relationships.
Methods of Communication
People communicate with each other in a number of ways that depend upon the
message and its context in which it is being sent. Choice of communication
channel and your style of communicating also affects communication. So, there are
two methods of communication.
1. Verbal Communication
2. Nonverbal Communication
Verbal Communication:
Verbal communication refers to the form of communication in which message is
transmitted verbally; communication is done by word of mouth and a piece of
writing. Objective of every communication is to have people understand what we
are trying to convey. Verbal Communication is further divided into:
Oral Communication and
Written Communication
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Advantages
1) It produces an immediate impact on the recipient.
2) Misunderstanding can be corrected.
3) Feedback can be obtained immediately.
4) It shows facial and other non-verbal communication.
Disadvantages
1) It may leave no records for future references.
2) Argument can generate thus causing poor working relationship.
3) Poor listening skills by the recipient can distort the facts or meaning.
4) Oral communication cannot present illustrations and figures.
Written Communication: In written communication, written signs or symbols are
used to communicate. A written message may be printed or hand written. In
written communication message can be transmitted via email, letter, report, memo
etc. Message, in written communication, is influenced by the vocabulary &
grammar used, writing style, precision and clarity of the language used.
Advantages
1) The message can be accurately and precisely presented.
2) It provides records for future references.
3) The written message may be supplemented with illustration and figures.
Disadvantages
1) It does not produce an immediate impact on the recipient.
2) Misunderstanding may take much time to be corrected.
3) An immediate feedback cannot be obtained.
4) It does not show facial and other non-verbal communication.
Nonverbal Communication
Nonverbal communication is the sending or receiving of wordless messages. We
can say that communication other than oral and written, such as gesture, body
language, posture, tone of voice or facial expressions, is called nonverbal
communication. Nonverbal communication is all about the body language of
speaker.
Nonverbal communication helps receiver in interpreting the message received.
Often, nonverbal signals reflect the situation more accurately than verbal
messages. Sometimes nonverbal response contradicts verbal communication and
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hence affects the effectiveness of message. Nonverbal communication has the
following three elements:
Advantages
1) It is used to compliment the verbal and written communication.
2) It helps to carry messages faster.
3) It makes messages more understandable.
Disadvantages
1) Different meaning can be attached to a message due to varied
interpretations.
2) No records exist on it.
Grapevine communication
Features/characteristics
1) Grapevine spreads fast.
2) It dose not have a source.
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3) Grapevine is normally made in oral form.
4) It can sometimes turn to be untrue.
5) It is difficult to destroy its stronghold.
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where lower ranking employees of an organization begin peddling false
information about people at the top. This action can gradually destroy the
goodwill of the organization.
4. The fourth disadvantage with grapevine communication is one that is
common in many organizations all over the world. This is when employees
become unproductive. Grapevine communication can make organizations
lose a lot of money because employees spend work hours talking about the
latest rumor circulating around them. The organization pays dearly for this.
5. Grapevine communication cannot be relied on because it is not trustworthy.
If not managed properly, it can have serious implications.
6. There is no means of checking its validity because it has no source.
7. The fast nature of it makes it difficult to control.
Bypassing Communication
The bypassing channel of communication normally happens as a result of either
urgency or privacy of a particular piece of information being delivered. This type
of information as the name suggests, happens when lower employees bypass
middle managers and communicate directly with a higher level manager or vice
versa. Most of the times, the main reason this form of communication is used
within an organization is because an issue is so urgent that a shorter route is needed
to get the message to the final recipient.
Importance of communication
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1) Life-Blood: Communication is often seen as the life-blood of an
organisation. As the continuous flow of blood keeps an individual
moving, so is the continuous flow of information necessary for the proper
functioning of an organisation.
2) Employee Trust: Clear, open communication can create a sense of
transparency in your organization, which builds trust between levels of
employees. Where keeping employees in the dark can result in
resentments, tension, and a feeling of low job security, strong
communication can help them feel valued and trusted. Open
communication can reduce feelings of uncertainty and cluelessness about
the state of the company, which makes for a more-positive work
environment and staff who feel secure and safe.
3) Relationships: Communication is essential to building relationships
between staff members and between levels of employees, both on a
professional and social level. An atmosphere of open communication
makes it safe for employees to express their ideas; as a result, you will
have the benefit of your staff's combined experience in coming up with
innovative solutions. Communication prevents employees from feeling
isolated, builds teamwork, and creates a more collegial atmosphere in the
office. When relationships are strong, employees are better able to trust
one another and work together more effectively.
4) Clarity: In an organization, confusion and ambiguity can create negative
feelings and a tense atmosphere. By making roles and responsibilities
clear to everyone on staff, you can give your employees the information
they need to get their jobs done; this is particularly important when your
employees are dispersed or come from different backgrounds.
Communication reduces misunderstandings and cuts the costs associated
with mistakes.
5) Collaboration: Communication can help your employees collaborate
effectively, which will make for a more-productive team overall. When
you have multiple departments who are working on different facets of the
same project, communication can streamline the process and improve the
end result. When your staff talks openly to each other, they can
communicate potential issues, requirements and feedback that can make
the result stronger. Communication can ensure that everyone is on the
same page and prevent problems down the road.
6) Policy Formulation: Policy is a statement of management intention and
guiding principles. They direct conduct and cause management to
behave in a certain way. The policy must therefore be communicated to
those with the responsibility of implementing them.
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7) Participation / Feedback: Communication is used to get subordinates to
participate in company’s activities as well as obtain their reactions on
management activities among others.
8) Controlling: This is the process of monitoring activities to determine
whether individual units and the organisation itself are obtaining
objectives effectively and for this to be effectively done, there is the need
for communication
9) Discipline: This involves rules for ensuring adherence to a code of
conduct and effective discipline entails recognition of communication
Barriers to Effective Communication
Recognizing barriers to effective communication is a first step in improving
communication style. Do you recognize these barriers from your own personal and
professional experience?
Encoding Barriers:
4. Information Overload. If you receive a message with too much information, you
may tend to put up a barrier because the amount of information is coming so fast
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that you may have difficulty comfortably interpreting that information. If you are
selling an item with twenty-five terrific features, pick two or three important
features to emphasize instead of overwhelming your receiver (ho-hum) with an
information avalanche.
7. Source of the message: The source of the message could make workers take it
serious or reject it. For instance a message from the Managing Director would have
a high source of credibility than one from the Security man.
Transmitting Barriers:
Things that get in the way of message transmission are sometimes called “noise.”
Communication may be difficult because of noise and some of these problems:
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3. Channel Barriers. If the sender chooses an inappropriate channel of
communication, communication may cease. Detailed instructions presented over
the telephone, for example, may be frustrating for both communicators. If you are
on a computer technical support help line discussing a problem, it would be helpful
for you to be sitting in front of a computer, as opposed to taking notes from the
support staff and then returning to your computer station.
4. Long Communication Chain. The longer the communication chain, the greater
the chance for error. If a message is passed through too many receivers, the
message often becomes distorted. If a person starts a message at one end of a
communication chain of ten people, for example, the message that eventually
returns is usually liberally altered.
Decoding Barriers.
The communication cycle may break down at the receiving end for some of these
reasons:
3. Lack of Communication Skills. Those who have weak reading and listening
skills make ineffective receivers. On the other hand, those who have a good
professional vocabulary and who concentrate on listening, have less trouble
hearing and interpreting good communication. Many people tune out who is
talking and mentally rehearse what they are going to say in return. We’ll see some
techniques for improving listening skills in Chapter 2.
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objectively. You may read, not objectively, but to find fault. You may
misinterpret words and read negative impressions between the lines.
Consequently, you are likely to misunderstand part or all of the report.
Responding Barriers:
A. LETTER OF ENQUIRY
Pattern and Outline
Like all other formal letters, a letter of enquiry must follow this pattern.
Dear Sir,
LETTER OF ENQUIRY
We have opened a DPFA Department in the institute which will offer Business studies (Diploma
in Public Finance and Administration). We would therefore be glad if you could provide us
information with regards to books on the following subjects;
1. Management and Business Communication.
2. Business Law
3. Accounting
4. Economics
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We wait patiently for a prompt reply.
Yours faithfully,
( A.. Alfa )
Purchasing Manager
B. QUOTATION;
Dear Sir,
QUOTATION
Yours faithfully,
(J.K. Yaro )
Sales Manager
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C. ORDER;
Dear Sir,
ORDER
Yours Faithfully,
( A:A:Alfa)
Purchasing Manager.
D. MEMORANDUM
The memorandum is a written communication used within an establishment or
organisation. It could be formal or informal depending on the content and the way
it is prepared.
Purpose of memorandum
a) To make proposal for the future to enable personnel plan or get upon the flow of
business activities.
b) To convey information.
c) To convey instruction.
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d) To draw attention to a situation.
e) To remind management about routines in the organization.
Features of memorandum
a) No salutation or complimentary close.
b) It is usually initialed but not signed.
c) A memo is not usually put in an envelop except it contains confidential
information.
d) Memo is mostly short and addresses only one subject.
MEMORANDUM
A.A.A.
E. REPORT
Types of report
a) Oral reports: These are usually made at societies and communities
meetings.
b) Routine reports: These are reports on sales and production.
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c) Special repo rts: These reports are called for under special circumstances,
e.g. a committee report.
d) Occasional report: these reports are carried out when there is an
occurrence that needs to be investigated, like accident report.
PRESS RELEASE
Definition
Press release refers to written, audio taped, or video taped matter about a book,
event, person, or program, presented by its promoters or principals to the media for
editorial comment and free coverage. Also called media release or news release.
Before you even attempt to write a press release, think about the things you like to
read, watch and listen to in the media. Most of us are generally interested in things
we haven't heard before, find surprising or help solve our problems. So before
drafting your press release, it's worth asking yourself these questions:
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3. Would this be of interest to anyone outside my business?
The last one sounds harsh, but is probably the most important: you might be
excited about your new marketing director or the launch of your new product, but
will anyone else be interested? If the answer is "no", hold off on that press release
until you have got a better story.
If you are not sure whether your story is newsworthy, read, watch or listen to the
publications or programmes you would like coverage in to get a feel for the kind of
stories they typically cover.
Most journalists get hundreds of emails every day, so it is a good idea to label
emails containing press releases with the phrase "press release" or "story idea". A
great subject line is also a must.
But do not try to be clever: most journalists will spend just a few seconds deciding
whether something looks interesting. If they don not immediately understand what
your story is about, they will move on to the next thing in their inbox.
So if your story is about the launch of the first financial planning consultancy for
women, say exactly that. "Women cash in on financial planning" might sound like
a better headline, but may mean nothing to a busy journalist scanning their inbox.
Get your top line in the first line of your press release
Getting a journalist to open your email is important, but if your first sentence
doesn't grab them, they may not read any further – which is why you need to get
the "top line" (the most important bit) of your story right at the beginning of your
release. Your first line should be a summary of the story (in no more than around
15-20 words) and read like the opening of a news story.
Journalists are generally taught to get as many of the "five Ws" (who, what, where,
why and when) in the opening line of news stories, so if you want examples of
great first lines for press releases, look no further than your daily newspaper.
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eg "And coming up next ... why a local cafe owner is giving a free coffee this
weekend to anyone born in July." If your story was going to be featured on the
radio today, how would the presenter introduce it? Asking yourself that question
should give you the top line of your story.
Be concise
The ideal length of a press release is about an A4 side or about 300 to 400 words
(the length of a short news item). That is just three or four short paragraphs and a
couple of quotes. If yours is longer than that, you have probably got unnecessary
waffle that does not add anything to your story.
Sub-headings and bullet points can be useful to make information easy to digest,
particularly if you're including figures or statistics.
Including quotes from people in your company can be helpful for journalists (and
on regional or trade publications are often used, word for word). A common
beginner's mistake is to use quotes to provide information, for example, "last year,
we employed 100 staff in 12 different countries and turned over £5m."
Quotes should be used to provide insight and opinion and sound like a real person
said them. They definitely shouldn't be full of jargon or technical language
We are pleased to announce that Fit Fashion Show is taking a giant leap forward
and moving our annual event to San Francisco's Pier 16 on September 2, 2013.
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After two fantastic seasons of unparalleled success at Pitchford University, we
have decided to take advantage of new opportunities. This year, you will still see
your favorite elements of Fit Fashion Show: a world class production, the hottest
up-and-coming designers, and an exclusive slice of the Bay’s fashionable elite. Our
mission of multicultural arts promotion, ethnic diversity, and positive image
remain strong, and we are proud to continue our popular high school internship
program.
With a new year and a new location, Fit Fashion Show will also be making some
changes. The production has been revamped to make every seat feel like a front
row seat. With the shift away from Pitchford, Fit Fashion Show is happy to open
modeling opportunities and volunteer positions to the entire Bay. The 2013
beneficiary will be announced in the coming weeks.
Open casting calls will take place in early July for models. Anyone interested in
getting involved as a sponsor, designer, member of the press, or volunteer should
contact info@fitfashionshow.org
A news article discusses current or recent news of either general interest (i.e. daily
newspapers) or of a specific topic (i.e. political or trade news magazines, club
newsletters, or technology news websites).A news article can include accounts of
eyewitnesses to the happening event. It can contain photographs, accounts,
statistics, graphs, recollections, interviews, polls, debates on the topic, etc.
Headlines can be used to focus the reader’s attention on a particular (or main) part
of the article. The writer can also give facts and detailed information following
answers to general questions like who, what, when, where, why and how.
An article.
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• is a piece of writing usually intended for publication in a newspaper, magazine or
journal
• is written for a wide audience, so it is essential to attract and retain the readers’
attention
• may include amusing stories, reported speech and descriptions
• can be formal or informal, depending on the target audience
• should be written in an interesting or entertaining manner
• should give opinions and thoughts, as well as facts
• is in a less formal style than a report
Elements of an article
Headline
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A headline is text that is at the top of a newspaper article, indicating the nature of
the article. The headline catches the attention of the reader and relates well to the
topic. Modern headlines are typically written in an abbreviated style omitting many
elements of a complete sentence and almost always including a non-copula verb.
Byline
A byline gives the name and often the position of the writer, along with the date.
Lead
The lead (sometimes spelled lede) sentence captures the attention of the reader and
sums up the focus of the story. The lead also establishes the subject, sets the tone
and guides reader into the article.[1]
In a news story, the introductory paragraph tells the most important facts and
answers the questions: who, what, where, when, why and how. In a featured story,
the author may choose to open in any number of ways, including the following:
See also: Narrative hook
an anecdote
a shocking or startling statement
a generalization
pure information
a description
a quote
a question
a comparison
Body
For the news story, details and elaboration are evident in the body of the
news story and flow smoothly from the lead.
Quotes are used to add interest and support to the story.
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The inverted pyramid is used with most news stories.
A featured article will follow a format appropriate for its type. Structures for
featured articles may include, but are not limited to
Conclusion
a final quote
a descriptive scene
a play on the title or lead
a summary statement
the writer's opinion
Authorship
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staff written — an article may be written by a person on the staff of the
publication.
assigned — a freelance writer may be asked to write an article on a specific
topic.
unsolicited — a publication may be open to receiving article manuscripts
from freelance writers.
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sensibly. Although adapting to living in a new country is not easy, once the initial
homesickness and missing the family has been overcome, learning to fend for
yourself certainly makes you a more independent person, and definitely more self-
confident. My time abroad helped me grow as a person and I feel I could tackle
any problem now in a calm and confident manner, without having to immediately
ask someone for their help.
MEETINGS
A meeting is the coming together of at least two people for the discussing of their
common interest.
Purposes of meetings
1. to give information
2. to obtain information
3. to bring together knowledge and experiences to solve a problem
4. presenting a proposal for discussion and usually for ultimate resolution
5. to air grievance
6. to take decisions within the area of authority
Advantages of meetings
1. Time is devoted to affairs in which members show interest.
2. It enhances the flow of communication downward and upward.
3. Discussion is always profitable as ideas are developed or new solutions
proposed through the medium of the meeting itself.
4. More experience and knowledge could be brought together.
5. Management gets to know better the feelings and reactions of employee.
Disadvantages of meetings
1. There is always a delay in convening a meeting and this may cause
inconvenience when management needs an instant decision.
2. It is sometimes frustrating and annoying when irrelevant discussions are
made.
3. It is usually difficult to arrange a convenient date and time for all
representatives.
Types of meetings
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1. Formal meetings: This type of meeting follows a well recognized and
conventional procedure with a chairman and a set of rules. Examples of
such meetings include meetings of parliament, annual general meetings,
board meetings, executive meetings, etc.
2. Informal meetings: These meetings may have procedures but will
normally be more like discussion groups, very often acting in an advisory
capacity or political meetings like rallies where members of the public
are invited. On some occasions they may have no chairman. They include
departmental meetings, briefing meetings, working parties, etc.
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2. There must be a quorum.
3. Adequate notice must be provided to every member expected to attend
the meeting.
4. There should be a secretary to write down the minutes of the meeting.
5. There must be rules governing the actions of the meeting.
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33.SCRUTINER: Some one who counts and closely examines votes at
meetings.
34.PROPOSER: Some one who tables a motion at a meeting.
NOTICE OF MEETING
A meeting is convened by sending out notice of meeting and the agenda to each
person entitled to attend the meeting. This notification should show the venue, date
and time of meeting, type of meeting, business to be transacted, details of any other
business, date of notice and signature of the person convening the meeting.
Example of a Notice:
AGENDA
The agenda is the list of programmes of the items of business to be discussed at a meeting in the
order in which they are to be taken. The agenda must have a heading to indicate the kind of
meeting, where and when it is to be held.
FORMS OF AGENDA
A. ‘Skeleton’ Agenda: This contains only a summary of issues to be discussed at the meeting. In
this, it is only headings of the item to be discussed are written. This form of agenda is usually
combined with notice of meeting.
AGENDA
1. Apologies
2. Reading of previous minutes.
3. Matters arising from previous minutes.
4. Annual Dinner/Dance.
5. Election of Executives.
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7. Any Other Business (A.O. B.) or Other Matters.
8. Date of next meeting.
B. The Detailed Agenda: This contains details of headings to be discussed and sets out in a draft
form the resolution to be submitted at the meeting.
AGENDA
Item No. Agenda Notes:
1. Reading of apology by Secretary own notes
2. Reading of minutes by Secretary
3. Discussing of matters by Members, etc.
AGENDA NOTES
1. Apologies Received from Mr. Ali; he is sick.
2. Minutes Copies sent to all members.
3. Matters Arising
a. Printing of T-shirts Miss Forsia to report.
b. Annual Dinner Miss Akos to report.
THE MINUTES: Minutes are records of proceedings of a meeting and are taken by the
secretary when a meeting is in process. In short, minutes are summaries of the
important matters discussed and decision reached for future reference.
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6. Correspondence.
7. Business for the day.
8. Any other business.
9. Date of next meeting.
10. The signature block for the chairman.
MINUTES WRITING
Types of Minutes
1. Resolution Minutes: In writing this minute, it is only decisions reached at that are
recorded. This occurs where members or participants accepts collective responsibility
for any decision arrived at. Resolution minute conceals debates, strong disagreement
and conflicts during the meeting. It is usually prepared at Board of Directors meetings.
2. Narrative Minutes: These minutes record the summary of the main points of a
discussion which proceeds the reaching of a decision.
3. Action Minutes: The secretary records the proceedings briefly; recording the name
of the person delegated to act upon a particular item and entered in a column usually
on the right hand side of the minutes page opposite to the item.
1. Present:
Mr. A. A. Jack (Chairman)
Mr. R. A. Amponsa
Miss Y. A. Forsia
Mr. M. C. Ayine
Miss N. Clara (Secretary)
3. Opening: The meeting started at 9.00am with a prayer by Mr. M.C. Ayine.
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4. Minutes: The Minutes was read and accepted by the house as a true copy of
the proceedings of the previous meeting.
5. Matters Arising: It was reported that most of the furniture and fittings of the DBS
lecture rooms leave much to be desired.
6. Annual General: It was resolved that this year’s Annual General Meeting for all
Meeting: DBS students will be held on the 10th November, 2006.
7. Any Other Matter: Miss N. Clara suggested that the next get- together should be
made earlier so that those who want to travel could have
sufficient time to prepare.
8. Next Meeting: It was decided that the date of the next meeting will be
communicated to members later.
Date:
The powers of the chairman at meetings
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1. Must be at the venue early with all the necessary items for the meeting.
2. Provide writing materials for members who may not come with writing material.
3. Must ensure that those present sign the attendance register.
4. Reading of the previous minutes, any apology letters and any other correspondence.
5. Taking down the records of proceedings.
6. Assisting chairman in supplying information from relevant files when the need arises.
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