Leaders Make a Real Difference in an Organisation’s Performance Essay

Within these qualities over history great leaders have developed detailed theories that are constantly being utilized within successful corporations today. Amongst these are Trait theory, Behavioural theories and also the Situational contingency theories that were used to represent successful leadership qualities. Great leaders become highlighted in times of oppression, utilizing their talents to move forward and have solid control of their organisations, in turn developing positive organisational performance. Through past generations leadership had developed to the ultimate success it is today. Through multiple theories, leadership has moved to the point where it now has a factual impact on organisations performance. The contemporary management theories are used in numerous ways of motivating, creating opportunity providing inspiration and resulting in a definite increase in organisational performance. This is evident in today’s society, through a minimal view of coaching sporting teams to the operations of large corporate groups such as Wesfarmers. Creating opportunity, Throughout history, it has been clearly evident that a great leader’s input shall reflect with a great performance output, thus developing opportunities for individuals to accomplish their maximum potential. â€Å"Leaders create opportunity for individuals within their sphere of influence† (urbanfoot. ca, 2009), opportunity being a set of circumstances that makes it potentially possible to achieve anything from extrinsic to intrinsic rewards. This creation of opportunity manifests itself across the globe in large and small organisations. In contemporary society it is shown by leaders within sporting clubs, the success of the best AFL clubs are built on a hierarchy of leaders, club captains, coaches, and trainers. They are all striving to create opportunity for young potential players. Essendon football club’s great success over the past numerous decades have been because of the major influential leadership role James Hird has played within the club. James Hird leading his club by being captain through two premierships and is now today still leading the club by coaching. His career of captain assisted with the creation the opportunity for the club leaders today and now he is continuing his leadership role by coaching the team, it is evident with his club involvement there is a definite outcome of organisational performance. As well as leading through creating opportunity, great leaders strive to inspire others within their environment. Inspiration, Leaders aim to inspire individuals within their vicinity to pursue the outcome of organisational performance. This constant attempt to provide inspiration is strongly shown by our world’s best leaders that are driving the powerhouse of our world’s economy. Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, Phil Knight, founder of Nike and Richard Branson founder of Virgin Group, these individuals are amongst many others that are part of the world’s most inspirational leaders. These people have founded some of the world’s biggest corporations by their profound ability inspire. Richard Branson went from developing a school newspaper called Student to operating one of the world’s most complex conglomerates know as Virgin Group. Branson’s life motto is to ‘have fun’ this is reason to his positive eccentric personality that reflects to inspire others around him. Lead by example† this phrase is used throughout human life to portray inspiration on others, through creating an inspiration on others leaders are assisting to motivate. Motivation, Motivation is a key part of a great leader’s success in achieving organisational performance. Motivation is referred to as â€Å"the forces within an individual that account for the level, direction and persistence of effort expended at work† (Wood, J. et al, 2010). Motivation on individuals is reflected by successful leaders, through multiple different theories. Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory identifies high order needs and low order needs† (Wood, J. et al, 2010) this details a pyramid that highlights the work motivational needs of individuals, including psychological, safety, social, esteem and self-actualisation. This research has contributed to the success of leaders in motivating and achieving ultimate organisational performance across large contemporary organisations. In many of today’s organisations leaders commonly motivate employees through the use of offering extrinsic rewards, â€Å"positively valued work outcomes† (Wood, J. t al, 2010), this may range from Christmas bonuses to simply allowing the use of a company car. Through the use of extrinsic rewards individuals are motivated to produc e their maximum performance. It is evident in KPMG, one of the world’s largest consulting firms; the use of leaders providing employees with extrinsic rewards motivates employees to achieve their full potential. KPMG provides employees with an annual bonus fluctuating on the employees yearly work effort. In doing so employees are determined to work to achieve a high constant overall organisational performance. Individuals that utilize the use of their leadership talents; creating opportunity, inspiring and motivating individuals will evidently result in reaching an optimum level of organisational performance productivity. Throughout history within these abilities leaders have developed several theories to manage the way it is put into practice. Through the past centuries leaders have always played a pivotal role in the triumph of groups, from the times of Genghis Khan, Napoleon and even Hitler, their efforts have exemplified how great leaders can make a major difference to organisations. All leaders tend to have different styles when it comes to commanding their subordinates and as time has progressed they have been categorized into different approaches and theories. The first theory to be thought up was known as the trait theory, and as the years moved on different studies and research was conducted to the point where different types of leadership are studied. Trait Theory, The trait theory which identifies different traits between leaders and followers, and assumes that leaders are born not developed. The trait theory takes into account physical and mental attributes of people that appeared to be more successful leaders. This theory took into account things such as height, weight and personality, and rather than study each of those in detail, these characteristics were recognised in effective and ineffective leaders. Therefore people could be able to predict if a person was a worthy or unworthy leader, although due to the studies being conducted as early as 1900 there was never any real recording s of evidence. Also there were never any real set of traits that defined a good leader, in other words there was no benchmark, which made it difficult for people to understand the theory as there were great leaders that had different characteristics. For example Hitler had different traits and characteristics to Nelson Mandela, Hitler was considered hard and persistent whereas Mandela was a visionary. Although it is certain that the trait theory set the trend for years to come. Behavioural Theories, The trait theory laid the foundations for what was later known as the behavioural theories; this included the Michigan and Ohio State studies. The behavioural theories compliments the flaws of the trait theory as it is more action based rather than only taking natural aspects into consideration. The Michigan studies showed that there are two types of leaders, employee-centred supervisors and production-centred supervisors. Employee-centred supervisors are leaders who look out for their workers and try to keep them emotionally happy by showing genuine interest in the wellbeing. Whereas production-centred employees are mostly concerned about getting the work done and meeting figures, rather than looking out for the welfare of their workers. Research has shown that employee-centred managers were found to have more efficient and effective groups than production-centred supervisors. The Ohio State studies which are very similar to the Michigan studies showed that leaders had two main dimensions, consideration and initiating structure, which can be related to employee-centres supervisors and production-centred supervisors respectively. Although the results from this study showed different results as the supervisors who received the best output from their employees showed a high amount of consideration and initiating structure. Situational contingency theories, The next sets of theories to be developed were the situational contingency theories, which came about in the 1960’s. These theories involve leaders that can adapt to the situation they are place in, for example Fiedler’s theory predicts work group effectiveness and how it depends on a match between the leader’s technique and the difficulties of the situation. Fiedler also considered the amount of situational control a leader has, which is how well a leader can determine the result of a groups actions and the course the will take on the way. Of course Fiedler was not the only person to come up with situational theories, there was also; Robert House, Paul Hersey, Kenneth Blanchard, Steve Kerr and Jonathon Jermier, but for the purpose of not repeating similar information they will not be discussed. It is fair to say that over the years leadership theories have changed with the times. The trait theory was effective for organisational performance as it helped identify leaders before they even took on a leading role, and although today that might seem politically incorrect, it’s what was suitable for the times. The behavioural theories in the late 1940’s had a great effect on organisational performance because people started to take into account the actions of their leaders and the different effect that certain actions would obtain. The Situational theories took another step into understanding the effect that good leaders can have on organisational behaviour by interpreting the how leaders manage the situation and whether or not they can mould to new and different challenges. As leadership theories have evolved, only the strong have survived, and the recent global financial crisis has provided great challenges for leaders to portray their successful qualities. Leadership is a quality that has grown in human culture over thousands of years and within the past century economies have taken significant falls highlighting the choices great leaders have made to sustain organisational performance through this time. Two significant downturns in history shook the world economy, the great depression of the 1930’s, Franklin D Roosevelt’s leadership qualities particularly exceled through this period and the global financial crisis saw absurd leadership talents ChemChina. These flairs in leadership talent depicted the difference it can asset on organisational performance. Global Financial Crisis – ChemChina In 2007 the world economy fell into the deepest trough in decades, this is known as the global financial crisis, it was considered the worst financial crisis since the great depression in the 1930’s. The global financial crisis saw the collapse of multiple investment banks across the United States of America and developed a ripple effect that was felt by economies across the globe. Great leaders stood out through this period powering their companies without feeling the effect of the economic down turn. One company in particular that continued a sustainable growth in organisational performance is ChemChina. While millions of companies were collapsing and on the verge of insolvency ChemChina’s prime operating income multiplied seven times, total assets increased by 133. 4 billion Yuan and total profits escalated an increased 12 times over, Ren Jianxin the president of ChemChina’s outstanding leadership qualities were the main motive behind the relentless accomplishment. The massive operational increases in production were due to major â€Å"innovations in organisation, institutions and technologies involving changes in their way of thinking, philosophies and producti on technologies and processes†. (Ren Jianxin, 2009) All this required an overall development in their way of leadership, in turn a successful corporate transformation thus organisational performance. 930’s Great Depression – Franklin D Roosevelt The great depression which hit the world through the 1930’s affected the world on a scale that had never been seen before. The depression started in America when stock prices started to fall, and on October 29, 1929 the stock market crashed and the effect spread globally. The effect this had on the world was far worse than anyone could have ever imagined causing people to commit suicide, die of starvation and start their lives over in a new world. Out of this came one of the world’s greatest ever leaders, Franklin D. Roosevelt, who dragged America and the rest of the world out of the depression. Roosevelt took over as president in March of 1933 and re instilled hope back into the American people by promising action and in his first address to the people he said one of today most famous quotes, â€Å"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself†. Roosevelt decided that to get the country out of the position they were in he had to adopt policies that were frowned upon, such as creating deficit budgets, which for the times were unheard of. When Roosevelt pulled the American economy back to its feet he was rewarded by being elected for four successive terms. Roosevelt proved how one great leader can have a major effect on a group of people and that it is not impossible to come back from the dead. Financial crisis’s at any time cause a great amount of angst in the around the world, and it takes very special people to lead corporations, governments or even countries out of these fatal situations. ChemChina and Roosevelt were both innovative in their styles and led their respective organisations either to new great heights or just simply out of a great depression. Throughout the times Leaders have always come under scrutiny from their critics, although one does not attain criticism without achieving. Without Leaders providing their qualities to inspire, create opportunity and motivate, organisations would have a lack of soul and would be forever falling in a negative style.

Term Paper Writing Help

Term Paper Writing Help Term Paper Writing Help Term Paper Writing Help As a college or university student, you have to complete writing assignments of numerous courses in economics, science, technology, management, etc.   Every tutor has his own rules and instructions for term paper writing.  However, if you are assigned to write a literary term paper, for example, the first thing you should remember is that your paper should be focused on a specific text.   Your task is to conduct a research and find out what the critics say about the text you have chosen and the author of it.   The main purpose of term paper writing is to conduct a research and find out supporting information to prove your assumptions and ideas.   While writing a literary term paper, you should use approximately 10 sources in addition to primary text.   Nevertheless, the number of secondary sources depends on term paper topic and the requirements of your tutor.   Once you have collected all necessary sources, you need to write a literature review. While writing a term paper body, you should discuss and analyze the topic.   Keep in mind that analysis is not a summary of the main points.   You should include opinion of different authors and include information from relevant studies and experiments.   If you are writing a term paper on literary text, you should dissect the text and find interesting points for discussion.   Most of the tutors prefer usage of MLA writing and referencing style.   While writing a term paper, you should cite all of the sources used and cited for term paper writing.   Make sure to follow the required citation format.   Include works cited page at the end of the paper.   Works cited list should include all of the sources cited in term paper.   Do not forget that all of the sources should be arranged in alphabetical order. Term Paper Writing Help Some tips on term paper format: It should have one-inch margins on all sides. Paragraphs must be indented half an inch. Term paper should be double-spaced. It should include quotations, notes, and the list of works cited. The title page isn't necessary for academic term paper. Type your name, your instructor's name, the course name and number, and the date at the top of the first page. Term Paper Writing Service If you are not sure how to start writing your term paper, you may ask our writers for assistance and we will write an impressive term paper for you.   to write a good term paper on any topic and of any academic level.   Do not hesitate to place an order and you will be very impressed with the high quality of our writing services!

Stanford Prison Experiment

Stanford Prison Experiment Introduction The unsettling aspect of the experiment was that it seemed to prove the pervasive behaviour of the prison guards and prisoners was due to an aspect of human psychology, deeply embedded in the human nature, rather than an acquired ill reasoning. However, there are arguments as to whether the experiment used the right procedure and parameters to obtain objective results.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Stanford Prison Experiment specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The guidelines violated The study violated the ethical guidelines of any experiment involving human beings since it did not have any ethical acceptability. The set APA standards require that any experiment, including those investigating psychological issues, be free of any kind of torture. If the guards had stuck to the recommended course of action when handling the prisoners, the experiment could have resulted in outcomes that were more ob jective. The researchers disregarded the subjects’ welfare, which is against the APA guideline requirements. Moreover, the experiment planners failed to consider the gravity of the events if the anticipated risks turned into a reality. The APA guidelines require the experimenter to structure the experiment in such a way that the risk is not too detrimental to the physical and emotional wellbeing. The leader of the team, doctor Zimbardo, was also the person who conducted the analysis of the course and the results of the experiment. According to the accepted standards in modern research, the leader of the team flawed the experiment by acting as an observer while disturbing the process. This violated another guideline, which advocates for minimum disturbance. Zimbardo’s personal opinion and feelings exposed the experiment to distortion. The experiment’s validity was questionable since before the commencement of the process all actions in the prison were anticipated . The guards had premeditated inflicting torture and curtailing the subjects’ freedom contrary to the APA guidelines on experimentation (Blass 235). There were no admissible criteria of equating the experimental prison’s conditions to those of a real prison. The experimental conditions could have been far much worse than the real conditions of an average prison. Furthermore, some conditions in real prison are necessary while experimental conditions were deliberate efforts to inflict mental stress. The researchers altering the Study Although there was no way to modify the experiment to reflect a real prison in totality, the team could have adopted measures that ensured the experiment stayed within the admissible criteria of practical experimentation.Advertising Looking for research paper on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The experiment would have obtained better results if the prisoners and the guards were subjected to the procedure without being guided on how to react to various situations. The decision to instil mental strain on the prisoners distorted the experiment. On the contrary, gradual, automatic, and natural mental strain on the guards and the prisoners was a more appropriate approach. Another measure that could have been useful to the experiment was the random selection of the prisoners with the freedom to request release. In a real prison, the prison community is composed of individuals with random backgrounds. In this essence, the experimental team should have been composed of a random collection of individuals picked in a non-discriminatory way. An independent observer would have been useful in ensuring that the participants in the experiment did not have any interest in the experiment’s outcome. This would facilitate the most accurate natural response of the experiment’s subjects to the conditions in their undisturbed environment. Furthermo re, the participants in such an experiment must have only limited information regarding the issue in question. This ensures that the subjects are not subconsciously aware of the aim of the experiment while deciding on each of their moves (Huggins et al 263). Cognitive dissonance Cognitive dissonance is a phenomenon where individual are attracted to do things that require more effort or responsibility rather than take on the easier options. This trend is evident in the Stanford experiment among the prisoners and the gaurds. The guards strive to ensure that the prisoners suffered for no particular reason. Moreover, the prisoners had no cause to rebel if the guards maintained a professional stance in the experiment. However, the guards opted to oppress the prisoners and later deal with the ensuing crisis. This evidence of cognitive dissonance in the prison community seems to confirm in a limited manner, the existence of a substantial negative psychological part in the comprehensive hum an nature (Festinger 32). The prisoners had clear characteristics of cognitive dissonance. They chose to flout the prison’s regulations and then later endure the repercussions although there were no clear benefits of their actions. In addition, the prisoners chose a more difficult relationship with the prison authorities with the intention of creating a conflict. These actions implied that the trait is a natural tendency of the human being to choose to confront the more challenging situations rather than the easier procedures (Cooper 42).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Stanford Prison Experiment specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Conclusion The study produced substantial evidence to prove the existence of cognitive dissonance in human beings. Although the experiment’s procedure breached major guidelines on experimentation, the results contain details that objectively point to the natural tenden cy of the human beings to take on more challenging options. Blass, Thomas. Obedience to authority current perspectives on the Milgram paradigm. Mahwah, N.J.: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 2000. Print. Cooper, Joel. Cognitive dissonance: fifty years of a classic theory. Los Angeles [u.a.: SAGE Publ., 2007. Print. Festinger, Leon. A theory of cognitive dissonance. Stanford, Calif.: Stanford University Press, 19621957. Print. Huggins, Martha Knisely, Mika Fatouros, and Philip G. Zimbardo. Violence workers: police torturers and murderers reconstruct Brazilian atrocities. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2002. Print.

Strategies firms can use when entering foreign markets

Strategies firms can use when entering foreign markets Foreign manufacturing: Under certain conditions, many organizations find it inappropriate to distribute their domestic products to foreign markets. Transporting large products is always expensive hence many companies produce their products close to the market.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Strategies firms can use when entering foreign markets specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Additionally, custom charges can also make the products to be less competitive. A country’s preference for their locally produced goods can prevent an organization from entering a foreign market (Benjamin, 2006). Other factors like availability of ready market, less production costs and financial motivation can make a business organization produce its products in the foreign market. Assembling: This is the cooperation between exporting and foreign production. Organizations locally produce components of its products and transport them t o foreign markets where they are assembled as a final product. This strategy is cost effective as companies will spend less money in transporting the components and paying for the custom tariffs. Moreover, local workers can be used to ease the amalgamation of companies in the foreign market. Licensing: This is another appropriate strategy used by a number of companies when entering a foreign market. The strategy is not only considered to be less risky, but also involves larger tasks for domestic producers. There is a slight difference between licensing and franchising. In franchising, companies tend to take part in the development and management of the marketing plan. A global licensing firm provides the licensee with patent rights on goods. Consequently, the licensee will be able to manufacture the licensor’s products and market them within a given boundary (Yenne, 2005). Foreign public authorities prefer this type of agreement since it comes with a number of technological a dvancements into their country. Conversely, this strategy can only work for a short duration of time because many foreign companies tend to start their own production after obtaining the know-how. Joint ventures: Foreign joint ventures are similar to licensing except that most of the international companies in joint ventures are involved in the management of foreign firms. When a foreign company forms partnership with the home-country firm, a new organization is always formed. Therefore, international companies are not only able to manage their operations, but also obtain important information on the local market. In addition, an international company will not be at risk of being taken.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Strategy used by Intel in their global expansion Intel is an international company with its headquarters in America. Besides, the company is conside red to be one of the leading producers of motherboard chipset around the world. Intel Corporation used joint venture strategy to enter into various foreign markets. For instance, the company was able to form a joint business enterprise (IM Flash Technologies) with Micron Technology. IM Flash Technologies produces flash memories which can be used as detachable storages (Alkhafaji, 2001). Consequently, this provided them with a wider market. They are also able to effectively compete in the local and international market with other companies producing similar products. Strategy used by McDonalds in their global expansion McDonalds majorly used franchising strategy to enter into foreign markets. Therefore, they have managed to expand their operations to approximately 120 countries globally. The company has set up policies which the franchisees are expected to obey in their restaurant management. For instance, McDonalds expect their franchisees to follow their menu, cooking techniques an d staffing rules respectively. Consequently, this forms a large section of McDonalds successful strategy. They have also reduced their operational costs while maximizing their profits. Strategy used by Goya Goya is a food producing company with branches in many countries including America and Spain. It uses foreign manufacturing strategy to enter into the competitive local and international markets. Therefore, they have been able to reduce their transportation costs thus making a lot of profit (Miltenburg, 2005). For instance, they had previously constructed a multimillion distribution center in Doral (Florida). From here, they are able to manufacture their products and distribute them locally to their customers. Strategy used by Boeing Boeing is an international aerospace and defense company. This company used joint venture strategy to enter in various foreign markets. Together with Aviation Industries Corporation, they formed Tianjin Composites Company. Consequently, they have obt ained important information regarding china’s local market. Strategy used by Coca-Cola Company Coca-cola Company used assembling strategy during their global expansion. The company transports some of their unfinished products like syrup to foreign markets. Therefore, the rest of the work (manufacture of containers and addition of water) is done by local bottle companies (Tielmann, 2010).Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Strategies firms can use when entering foreign markets specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Strategy used by Nokia in their global expansion Nokia succeeded in venturing into foreign market through the application of assembling strategy. The company has assembly plants in various countries including Finland and Mexico. Nokia and Siemens also used a joint venture strategy to enter into foreign markets. For instance, they were able to form Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) as their joint business enterpr ise. Company which has experienced an evolution of strategies Coca-Cola Company has experienced an advancement of strategies since it started its expansion into the foreign market. Due to high demand, the company decided to change from assembling strategy to foreign manufacturing strategy. Instead of transporting their unfinished products, Coca-Cola Company has set up firms in various countries where they are able to manufacture their own products. Consequently, this was done to reduce high transport costs. References Alkhafaji, A. F. (2001). Corporate transformation and restructuring: A strategic approach. Westport, Conn: Quorum Books. Benjamin, L. K. (2006). Market entry strategies of foreign Telecom companies in India. Wiesbaden: Dt. Univ. Verl. Miltenburg, J. (2005). Manufacturing strategy: How to formulate and implement a winning plan. New York: Productivity Press. Tielmann, V. (2010). Market Entry Strategies: International Marketing Management. München: GRIN Verlag GmbH. Y enne, B. (2005). The story of the Boeing company. St. Paul, MN: Zenith Press.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More

Stakeholders Theory Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Stakeholders Theory - Case Study Example Basis of determining business relationships: As per the shareholder's theory, corporate relationships are determined by legal or implied contracts. Thus, it recognizes accountability towards those parties with whom an explicit legal agreement has been entered into. This vastly limits the scope of accountibility.On the other hand the stakeholders' school of thought Escalation in value of shareholding: the shareholders theory endorses the objective of generating higher returns to the investment of the shareholders. Whereas the stakeholders' take is that, the corporation should strive to yield higher social returns to all the parties involved with it. Objective of wealth creation: escalation in the value of shareholding will result in greater wealth creation; therefore, it is consistent with the traditional corporate objective of profit maximization. The proponents of the shareholders theory maintain this. However, the other view is that, when the interest of the stakeholders is taken into consideration then there shall be fairer distribution in addition to wealth creation, which will promote the general welfare of society. The Tinged Shareholders theory contains a reconciliation of the main ideas of the two schools of thought. It makes allowance for moral and social obligations and at the same time retains the director's fiduciary duties and holds them responsible to the shareholders. The conflicting grounds of the normative and instrumental approaches are blurred in this theory. The traditional profit-maximizing objective of the shareholders theory is maintained, while incorporating the corporate social responsibilities as well, therefore it is consistent with moral duty. c) I find the stakeholders theory rather convincing. The recognition of commercial pursuits and social obligations appeal to me. The stakeholder's theory can justifiably claim to be superior because it upholds the interests of the owners without neglecting social welfare. If a company is profitable but its employees are a harassed lot, or its suppliers are bleeding dry because of the constant pressure of cutting costs, it defeats the purpose of corporate social responsibility. Singular motive of wealth creation can be ruthless if fair distribution and social welfare are neglected. A company owes responsibility towards it's employee's for improving their quality of life as much as it owes to it's customers for rendering quality at reasonable prices. .Wal-Mart is a case in point. This example demonstrates that commercial quests should not be divorced from social responsibilities.Wal Mart is the largest retailer in the world with a 20% market share in America and a formidable presence in retail in most parts of the world. It has gone overboard in its attempts to cut costs and increase profit margins. Recently exposed practices include locking overnight workers in its stores, allowing Wal-Mart maintaince contractors to use illegal immigrants as janitors. It is also known

Apple Computers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Apple Computers - Essay Example Yet, as we look forward to a happy ending, earnings taper off and it appears as though the saga may be over after all. However, a feeling of quiet confidence gradually takes over the observer, as both Apple Computers and Jobs negotiate through each downturn with aplomb. Must a company's journey through time be so turbulent This document tries to draw lessons from the Apple experience and to suggest stable ways for commercial firms to manage their planning and operational processes. There are two over reaching factors that seem to have influenced strategic change at Apple Computers. The first is the frenetic pace of technological change. No other industrial sector has witnessed the continuous and rapid improvements in processor speeds, storage capacity, transmission options and software development. This has been a source of strength and an opportunity for the entrepreneurial culture of Apple Computers, but it has proved to be a handful for people such as Sculley who labored so hard to bring a semblance of order and discipline to the highly individualistic style of functioning to which die-hard company employees have become accustomed. A second factor which has affected strategy in this company has been the tumultuous and disorderly change of guard at the top. There is no precedent for such a striking founder to leave his creation while remaining in the business. Even more unusual has been the return of Jobs as a mere consultant to the company which he once owned. These moves, and indeed the manner of Sculley's departure have posed special challenges for the company. Strategy Review Systematic and regular environmental scanning seems to be a lacuna in the planning process at Apple Computers. Every enterprise needs a deep understanding of the values that its products and services deliver in an environment of global competitiveness (Ohmae, 1991, 61-74). The success of Jobs to see the opportunity in the graphic user interface which Xerox apparently missed, did not repeat itself when the company invested resources in Newton. It leads one to suspect that iPod may have come about by chance more than by a designed set of steps to understand dynamic customer needs. Environment scanning is an important and integral part of formulating strategy. We do not know if Apple Computers made the effort to reach out across the world, as for example IBM has always done, to weave market realism and new trends in consumer needs in to they way it thinks and works as an organization. The genius of Jobs could have been a drag for the company he founded, for he is clearly a person who th inks way ahead of his time. The story of Apple's strategy could be seen in the light of essential differences between a University Research Department and the function in a pharmaceutical concern which creates solely for profit. Jobs seems to have erred in mixing business and more visionary roles in a manner that continued to haunt the company long after he had left. We do know from the case that Sculley tried hard to rectify matters, but perhaps his 'sugary water' background prevented him from managing the environmental scanning process with the technological orientation it deserved. This is reflected in IBM and even prime rival Microsoft making good business use of some key Apple innovations! Overall, every business needs sound and

Organizational Behavior Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Organizational Behavior - Research Paper Example It describes that the individuals and groups of employees do offer any influence over the organizational working environment. It is entirely concerned with the varied rising realities in an organization (Kreitner & Kinicki, 2009). Moreover, OB is also described as a human technique, which is utilized to analyze individual employee behaviors in a specific organization. It entirely concentrates on the understanding, forecasting and controlling human behaviors in an organization. OB is the key facet which is utilized to maintain and to enhance the level of relationship among the employees of an organization. It helps in proper sharing of diverse facts and information with one another resulting in enhancement of their technical knowledge and skills. It also enhances the devotion and commitment of the employees leading to augmentation of productivity and profitability of the organization. Hence, it helps in improvement of efficiency and effectiveness of both the employee and the organizat ion (Kreitner & Kinicki, 2009). OB is also utilized as an analytical tool to judge the psychological skills and attitudes of the employees. It also focuses on improving the productivity, declining absenteeism, enhancing returns, improving job satisfaction and devotion. Thus, in order to enhance these attributes, OB utilizes systematic and organized study of the employee behavior. Hence, it can be avowed that as OB is used to predict employee psychology so it is also known as organizational psychology (Kreitner & Kinicki, 2009). Discussion Due to globalization and industrialization, the importance of OB is becoming more imperative in every organization. This is because OB is required in order to cope up with the changing nature and attitude of the employees of the organizations. OB can also be regarded as an educational discipline which is concerned with describing, accepting, forecasting, and scheming individual behavior in an organizational environment. It is done in order to augme nt organizational efficiency along with corporate image. Moreover, improvement in organizational returns might also enhance brand identity and uniqueness. According to Kreitner and Kinicki (2009), OB is that branch of study which helps in prediction of the employee attitude in an organization. For this reason, it is also described as a human technique utilized for individual benefit. In addition, OB also helps in improving inter-personal relationships amid the workers and the management in an organization. Hence, it facilitates the management to comprehend the psychology of the individual employees which helps in reducing employee discontentment and disapproval. This may result in enhancement of employee commitment leading to organizational improvement (Kreitner & Kinicki, 2009). Furthermore, as organizations are operated with individuals so effective utilization of the employees can only lead to success of a business enterprise. Thus, proper utilization of the workers can be possib le only if the managers inspire and stimulate them towards higher output and better outcomes. For this cause, OB is also described as the technique of application of managerial skills in order to investigate the performance of the workers in a group within an organization (Brooks, 2006). OB is also specified as a technique and a practical behavioral science which helps to understand