Respond to the discussion post below
-450-600 words
-apa format
– 1 biblical integration
-3 apa peer reviewed sources (within the last 5 years)
Chapter 7: Mass customization of products has become a common approach in manufacturing organizations. Explain the ways in which mass customization can be applied to service firms as well.
As technology becomes more advanced, mass customization will become more available to service firms. Advanced algorithms and data gathering software allow companies to better understand their clientele. Companies such as Google work diligently to learn about each user via their cookies, caches, and search history. This information is processed through an algorithm that provides the user with serving suggestions. The better companies can understand their users, the more satisfied the customers will be with their services.
Furthermore, Google Analytics helps users gather data on the effectiveness of their websites. As Englert (2020) explains “With some simple customizations and taking advantage of some advanced reports in Google Analytics, one will be able to understand the true engagement of the audience, how they interact with the brand, and what actions they are taking (390).” Many companies utilize similar software, providing a customized experience for their users. This can be applied to service organizations such as social media, customer service, and hospitality.
Chapter 7: A top executive claimed that superior management is a craft technology because the work contains intangibles (such as handling personnel, interpreting the environment, and coping with unusual situations that must be learned through experience). If this is true, is it appropriate to teach management in a business school? Does teaching management from a textbook assume that the manager’s job is analyzable and, therefore, that formal training rather than experience is most important?
Teaching management in a formal setting can provide knowledge for managers to use in their working lives. Superior management is often considered an art form by those who use it. Managers operate in a dynamic environment which means they cannot rely on rigid management techniques. If management is going to be taught in business schools; students must know that formal education does not replace experience. Education is valuable and a person who does well in school may excel in business too. However, a high GPA doesn’t always translate which makes the experience a must-have.
Experience is an indicator that you have explicit knowledge in management. According to Forsyth & Cowap (2017) “While 65 percent of jobs require postsecondary education, managers still consider internships, employment during college, and volunteer experience more important than GPA or relevant coursework when evaluating a candidate’s readiness for a job (233).” In a complex and dynamic field such as management, experience appears more valuable than formal education.
Chapter 8: Do you believe that technology will eventually enable high-level managers to do their job with little face-to-face communication?
As technology develops, the option to telework will become more available. Wireless internet can reach farther than ever. Additionally, technology has allowed managers to conduct meetings from across the world. The flexibility afforded to managers means more flexibility in reaching employees and clients. However, technology can enable us to spend less time interacting in person. We have seen this over the past two years because of the pandemic. Technology allowed some managers to work remotely but this was out of necessity.
As employees begin returning to work, they’re not beholden to telework. Although, many managers have opted to continue to work from afar. As Schneider (2017) explains, “Many experts argue that COVID-19 has fast-forwarded us in the direction of working from home. In addition, surveys of business leaders confirm that remote work is here to stay (23).” Technology will certainly enable everyone to conduct their job with little face-to-face communication, but high-level managers should resist this urge.
There is value in communicating with employees on a personal level. Face-to-face communication allows managers to make a better impression on their coworkers. High-level managers must be influential which requires positive interactions with the team. These interactions are not as impactful when done remotely.
Chapter 9: Look through several recent issues of a business magazine (Fortune, BusinessWeek, Fast Company, etc.) and find examples of 2 companies that are using approaches to busting bureaucracy. Explain the techniques that these companies are applying.
Bureaucracies are said to hold up progress. Managers complain that red tape is preventing them from accomplishing what they want. Companies such as Nucor have managed to work around bureaucracies. According to Hamel et al. (2017), “Nucor comprises 90 autonomous manufacturing centers. Individual plants make product and pricing decisions and are responsible for their product development. Self-managing teams within each facility oversee operations and are responsible for innovation and training (7).” The company has managed to conduct operations in-house. Doing so allows Nucor to bypass third-party regulators who are disrupting progress.
Another example of a bureaucracy-reducing company Redheat Oy. The company is a metal manufacturer out of Finland. The company experimented with reduced management for a year. The employees were encouraged to work how they saw practical. According to Jaumier (2017), “When employees can decide how to work as they see wise, it increases self-management, motivation, and feeling of competence. Committed employees do not need instructions from management, management role is more coaching than giving orders (224).” When companies encourage employees to exercise initiative, they experience less bureaucracy. Supervision and procedures ensure there are fewer errors but can stifle progress. The initiative allows work to flow without disruption and red tape.
Chapter 9: Do you believe that a no growth philosophy of management should be taught in business schools?
Mangers should have as many tools available as possible to lead their organizations. Large companies such as Amazon and McDonald’s have adopted a growth philosophy that has expanded their companies throughout the world. Constant growth is desirable for companies but not always feasible. Companies may experience a period of downsizing that must be navigated.
Downsizing is the intentional reduction in the workforce to improve firm performance. In recent years, downsizing has spread massively across the United States as well as other developed economies in response to industry downturns and wider economic crises (Brauer & Zimmerman, 2017). Companies such as General Motors have had periods of no growth that were crucial to their survival. A failure to manage through these periods could collapse the company. Managers should be taught a no-growth philosophy in case they need to apply its principles.
How can/should a biblical worldview be applied?
Biblical principles can be applied throughout a manager’s career. Whether the person is learning management techniques in college or applying these principles in their company. As previously discussed, management is dynamic and there isn’t a rigid structure to follow. There will be difficult decisions to make that will make the manager question.
Despite the inevitable self-doubt, managers must make the best decision possible for their organization. The manager must trust they have made a sound choice and deal with the consequences. Following scriipture provides wisdom when we must make difficult choices. For as it is written “Nevertheless, I am continual with you: You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with your counsel, and afterward, receive me to glory” Psalm 73:23-26 (King James Bible). If the decision is incorrect, we can trust Christ to carry us through the repercussions. We will be smarter and wiser next time.
References
Brauer, M., & Zimmermann, M. (2019). Investor response to workforce downsizing: The influence of industry waves, macroeconomic outlook, and firm performance. Journal of Management, 45(5), 1778. https://doi.org/10.1177/0149206317734901
Englert, A. (2020). Using google analytics to tidy up content. Journal Education Advancement and Marketing, 4(4), 390.
Forsyth, J., & Cowap, L. (2017). In-house, university-based work experience vs off-campus work experience. Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, 7(3), 233. https://doi.org/10.1108/HESWBL-11-2015-0054
Hamel, G., & Zanini, M. (2017). Busting Bureaucracy. London Business School Review, 28(1), 7. https://doi.org/10.1111/2057-1615.12147
Jaumier, S. (2017). Preventing chiefs from being chiefs: An ethnography of a co-operative sheet-metal factory. Organization London, England, 24(2), 224. https://doi.org/10.1177/1350508416664144
King James Bible. (2021). King James Bible Online. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/ (Original work published 1769)
Schneider, P. J. (2021). Are clients working remotely? some tax implications if an executive is working from home. Journal of Financial Service Professionals, 75(5), 23.
