Function Of Management When An Organization example essay topic

Review The purpose of this paper is to briefly summarize the article, "The manager's role in building an innovative organization". I will give a brief description of the organizing function of management. I will also relate the concepts to Aearo Company, while including my recommendations based on the article. Summary The article discusses how organizations must change to survive in a competitive market. Companies must change how they gather information, implement the information, and support the employees that acquire the information. Gathering Information Management should use their employee's ideas as a resource, not only because it is less expensive than outside information, but also it supports employee involvement.

Using teams that include people from different divisions can increase communication and perception when pursuing a goal. Implement Information An organization that can make decisions faster, and change direction at the "drop of a hat", is more versatile and will most likely survive longer. "Old time" decisions that were made by top management or a board of directors, could take a while to trickle down the ranks and actually be implemented in the process. Teams that are given the authority to make quick decisions can get things done faster, and are more responsive to the customer. Support the Employees Structure 3 An organization's culture is vital to the success of any change or structure. It is a manager's duty to create, support and strengthen the environment of a workplace.

If the people are not susceptible to change, then a new idea will be very difficult to implement. Employees need to own some portion of the new idea, whether it is the layout, financing, time-line, etc. Organizing Function of Management When an organization makes a plan of action it needs to include the proper tools to help accomplish their goal. The management needs to consider things such as: 1.) Employee scheduling 2.) Equipment needs 3.) Consumable needs 4.) Work space 5.) Training If these items are kept organized through time lines, inventory lists, schedules and documentation, the process will go much smoother. The items listed above are just a few of the things that a company should keep organized. Time spent looking for something that should be easily accessible is wasted.

Related Concepts In reading the article, it keeps reiterating the subject of an organization's culture. I do not believe Aearo Company has identified its culture. I understand Aearo to be a leader in their market. To remain the leader they must develop an innovative style of organization. Buhler (2002) says, "To build an innovative organization, care must be taken to ensure that the culture of the firm supports this type of organization". (para. 9).

For example, there are a few people in Structure 4 upper management making key decisions about automation in the production environment, and not a single production employee is asked what they think about the performance or placement of the automation. If teams were formed or at least people were asked for their input, an environment of trust and cooperation could be created. One successful company wide team is the "Kaizen re-engineering team". It is comprised of different people each time and is formed for a single, week long event. This type of team has been a great worldwide success for Aearo. However, at the Chickasha plant teams are sometimes formed, but seem to fall apart before the goal is reached.

Buhler (2002) says, "The key is to forego the traditional focus on managing up the vertical hierarchical levels and instead focus on the horizontal organization. This integration enables faster and more effective communication including the sharing of knowledge and creating a collaborative marketplace that is critical to innovation. Cross-functional teams have been able to more effectively integrate people and processes across organizational levels". (para. 18). Recommendations My first recommendation for Aearo Company would be to explore their cultural environment. Find a program that would teach them how to discover such an environment.

Secondly, I would suggest the formation of "Cross-functional teams". Buhler (2002) describes them as, "Cross-functional teams are comprised of employees from various functional units within the organization". (para. 19). Use the teams to create a positive, sharing environment that everyone can contribute to. Structure 5

Bibliography

Buhler, P.M. (2002, August).
The manager's role in building an innovative organization. SuperVision. Burlington, 63 (8), 20 (3). Retrieved October 17, 2003, from Pro Quest database.