Understanding Management Principles and Organizational Dynamics
2009 Contest
1. Answer the Questions Now and Implementation.
The 1st Question: From the organizational point of view, reflect on the new government initiative to counter current performance through training.
1b. What is your view on the so-called economic crisis and the reactions in the industries and companies around the world? Make a parallel with the systematic principles discussed in class.
2. True or False.
- a) The administration is a continuous and uninterrupted process which aims at the achievement of overall goals, not necessarily well-coordinated to achieve the corporate final objective.
- F. Management: The process tends to achieve a predetermined goal, which implies that all business functions should be oriented toward a common goal of coordination and harmony.
- b) The theory of management shares the main idea with the Japanese Theory Z in relation to continuous improvement (Total Quality Management).
- V. Z Theory: Under the Japanese boom of the 70s and 80s, this theory emerged, inspired by the concept of Total Quality Management, emphasizing continuous improvement as a permanent attitude. It discusses division of labor, inter-authority and responsibility, discipline, unity of command, centralization, hierarchy, initiative, order, stability, and other staff considerations.
- c) The activities or functions are direct management (to do), planning (how to do it), and control (check processes).
- F. Functions are planning, organizing (how), directing (to whom), and controlling (check), with coordination being the very essence of administration and not merely one of its functions.
- d) In a planning process, emotions and desires play a role, which should be based on general objectives.
- F. Effective planning is based on facts, data, and actual and estimated information, not on emotions or desires.
- e) The division of labor or specialization is an essential foundation of the organization, establishing standards for working together efficiently.
- V. Division of labor: Everything is planned and structured in general terms, emphasizing specialization and cooperation of labor forces in tasks and roles to improve efficiency.
- f) Trade unions are necessary in organizations because they represent workers in their desire to maintain good working conditions and establish informal organization and leadership within it. Discuss.
- F. They are an informal grouping that is necessary and represents the workers.
- g) Complying with basic needs is a necessary principle to maintain good motivation according to Maslow.
- V. Because if basic needs (physiological, security) are not met, we can hardly qualify for secondary needs such as social, esteem (power), and self-actualization (achievement).
3. Field Questions
a) Explain the role of communication in the process of administration.
Improving understanding and motivation among the various parts of the organization is crucial. The medium used for communication is just as important as communication itself. For example, if a chief of staff suggests a new remuneration policy, it is unlikely to motivate the manager if not communicated effectively.
b) Explain the concept of “intervening variables” by Likert in administrative processes.
Likert considers the organizational climate as an intermediary variable between some form of training or management training and performance management or satisfaction. According to Likert, a more functional organizational structure must be flexible, with a loosely structured environment, strong rules of responsibility, and personal initiative. Offering rewards while also addressing poor performance can lead to moderate conflict, higher overall productivity, and high job satisfaction, thus impacting formal organizational factors (leadership) in the spirit of work and production among employees.
c) What should be the ideal role of an informal leader in any organization?
Informal leaders possess charisma and are often chosen unconsciously by the rest of the group as leaders. This natural charisma can be used for the organization (positive leaders) or for personal gain (negative leaders). They represent their peers during wage claims and take the initiative to advocate for their colleagues on issues related to job security and benefits. They are highly motivating and can become very assertive when occupying an important position within the system.
d) Explain the role of positive feedback or morphogenesis in the process of verification or control.
This feedback leads to the adjustment of goals in the same direction as any deviation.
e) Name and explain the principles necessary to make planning effective.
- Flexibility: The inflexibility of plans undermines their effectiveness.
- Commitment: Plans should motivate all those involved in the process to encourage compliance.
- Contribution: If plans are not properly integrated and directed toward a central purpose through a chain of linked objectives, the efforts will be scattered.