Running head: MANAGEMENT 1

Change Management

Student Number: S152334

Date:12/05/2014

Introduction

Management entails the running of an organization or institution with the aim of reaching set goals. In line with this, different techniques and mannerisms are required to be understood to ensure that growth is achieved. Therefore, a successful organization is made up of different departments, and driven by the set values in its objectives. This makes the running of the organization easy and all operations effective. Moreover, a successful organization must entail different management styles, a motivating and decisive management, an ability to adapt to cultural variation and regulations against self interest.

Discussion

Management Styles

Management styles can be defined as the systematic way of making decisions and how managers relate to their subordinates. The most commonly practiced management style is the p-l-c-o system i.e. planning leadership controlling and organizing. These styles are incorporated into the day to day running of the organization activities and determine how effective the organization will be and whether it will achieve its set objectives.

Planning can be defined as a setting of objectives and determination of actions that will lead to the achievement of these goals. Planning is done in various steps. The first step is where managers evaluate the environment of the organization in order to determine the problems facing the organization. After this they come up with the specific problems that could be bringing the company down, and then come up with solutions to the problems identified. Next it is the manager’s job is to ensure that these solutions are implemented in various departments by following up on the departmental heads.

Planning is of different types. The first is strategic planning. These are long term plans that are carried out by the top level management of the organization. It includes evaluating the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats facing the organization. This plan is very effective if well formulated as it determines how well the organization will thrive in the near future.

The second type of plan is the intermediate or tactical plan. They are carried out by the middle level management and it involves the implementation of the strategic plans. They come up with the specific ways that will be used in the implementation. Another type of plan is the operational or short term plan. These are the plans on how to achieve the set objectives of the organization in the day to day running of the organization. These are plans designed to come up with the steps to be followed in achieving strategic and tactical plans. [ CITATION Bal14 \l 1033 ]

When planning is carried out it should be done in a way that it looks into the welfare of the employees. An organization can’t come up with a plan to triple its production without considering adding the number of employees. Planning that looks into the well-being of the organization, including its workers, is key in achieving set objectives.

Organizing is defined as the development of a business structure and the allocation of resources to meet the set objectives. An organization structure is the hierarchy of the management level with the topmost being the chief executive officer and the lowest being the janitor though this varies with different organizations. The organization structure should be laid down in such a way as to achieve the organization’s set objectives. According to the structure, each division is assigned a particular role. This role involves the particular duty that the individual(s) is supposed to do in the firm.

Effective organizing is mostly done best through departmentalization. Departmentalization can be done in terms of product, geography or customers. Different departments are charged with the production of a certain product. This helps achieve uniformity of output as opposed to when different departments deal with the same product. Moreover, this helps in achieving more output as the employees are only dealing with one product. When departmentalization is done according to the geographical area, it is of much benefit. Since the company is dealing with a wide range of products the raw materials required are obviously located in different places. Where departmentalization is done according to the clientele it ensures that once the product is out it is readily available to its target customers. [ CITATION Rot09 \l 1033 ]

Leading is another type of management style where anyone can be a manager but not all are leaders. Leading involves a set of skills that help you influence other people’s decisions. Leading could either be autocratic or consultative. Autocratic leadership is where a manager makes the decisions solely without getting the view of employees while consultative is where he consults with the subordinates before making decisions. Consultative leadership is very effective as it creates a sense of belonging among the subordinates and increases their loyalty to the firm. High employee morale results to an increase in the turnover ceteris paribus.

Controlling is a management style that involves establishing performance standards, comparing achieved performance against the set standards and identifying deviation, and taking corrective measures against deviation. Performance standards are determined through profits, revenue or sales. Comparing performance is done by the use of financial statements, production output or through employee appraisals. Effective controlling is only possible if the organization has set realistic goals. The best control techniques known are the performance audit report and budgeting. Auditing involves verification of records and supporting documents. [ CITATION Fla14 \l 1033 ]

There are various problems associated with organization design like the loss of productivity. If a particular department is granted a duty it cannot effectively carry out the company risks reduced level of productivity. There is also a probability of internal conflict arising that happens when employees start having too much departmental loyalty, and each department works themselves out to outdo another. This level of unhealthy competition results in a conflict as such employees may not see eye to eye. This in the end affects the performance of the organization negatively.

Moreover, organization design attracts the need for new management. New management may take some time to adapt to how the departments work and if they take too much time to familiarize it may result in reduction of output. There is also the risk that they cannot be readily received by employees, especially if they are too hard on the subordinates. This may result in poor performance of the employees and the company could make a loss they may never ever recover from.

However, any change brought about in the organization could either have a positive or negative effect on the employees. Change should be implemented in a way to ensure that the well-being of the company and its employees is taken into consideration. If it is not done appropriately negative morale on employees’ part could risk attainment of losses.