CASE LET 1
Mr. Vincent the manager of a large supermarket was taking a management course in the evening program at the local collage. The professor had given an interesting but
Mr. Vincent the manager of a large supermarket was taking a management course in the evening program at the local collage. The professor had given an interesting but disturbing lecture the pervious night on the various approaches to management. Vincent had always thought that management involved just planning, organizing and controlling. Now this professor was saying that management could also be thought of quantitative models, systems theory and analysis, and even something called contingency relationship. Vincent had always considered himself a good manager, and
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Victor D’Cuhna realized that the administrative office was heading for trouble. He knew that his task would not be easy and that he had been selected because of his experience, background and abilities. He also realized that certain functional aspects of the administrative office were not clearly understood by various functionaries, and system and procedures were blindly and randomly followed. Feedback was random, scanty and controversial, and data processing cell had to verify every item of feedback.. Delays were inevitable. D’Cuhna sought the permission of senior management to conduct a seminar on communication and feedback of which he was an expert. The permission was grudgingly given by the senior management. Everyone appreciated the seminar. Following the first seminar, D’Cuhna conducted a one week training course for the clerical cadre, especially for the junior, freshly recruited clerks. Amongst other topics, D’Cuhna laid emphasis on filing system, information tracking, communication, and feedback. This helped reorient attitudes to some extent. But the female clerks preferred to ignore the theme and widely circulated the belief that D’Cuhna was an upstart and a show off. Within a short time, considerable friction had been generated in the administrative office while directly recruited officers supported
In comparison, management focuses on systems and structures and is distant from the thoughts and emotions of individuals. It applies coercion in its endeavour to achieve results. The law of force has it that where there is force there is a reciprocating resistance. Therefore, managers do not attain the required attitudes and behaviours in personnel that are in line with the goals of the organisation.
In analysing the language and expression, the sentence in line 1 “the seminar was meant for managers” was unnecessary. It may be deciphered by other staff members as being boastful and breed ill-feelings. In line 2, “boss” can be better phrased with “higher management” in expressing the idea of a higher authority.
While working for the department, it became very apparent that the practices and management style of the Department Director significantly affected the culture and daily activities of the individual sections under his leadership. First, he would set objectives and standards for the individual sections. These objectives usually looked good on paper but were often unrealistic when applied to daily operations. These lofty ideals, set as goals to middle management, seemed overwhelming and out of touch with the reality of hands on field operations. As a result, middle management would frequently choose to either change or completely disregard the given directives. This disconnect in the chain of command would often cause confusion and inconsistencies at the operations level. Additionally, lack of follow-up meant the Department Director assumed his set objectives were being carried out while lower level employees remained uninformed.
I will be clarifying how reading "Theory X, Y, Z" and watched the media piece, "Theory," affected my definition of theory. I will be explaining the reasons why it might be useful to make a connection between actual management situations and theory. I will also explain how theory can inform the actual practice of management. I will provide an example of my own supported observation to maintain my statements. In Conclusion, I will explain which of management theories presented in Day 4 Readings seem to be the most useful and why (Walden, 2014).
1. Read `Spotlight on Management` on pages 133-149 and the practice lesson `The Real World` on page 152. Please discuss the following questions in detail. Your response to each question should consist of: a minimum word count of 250 words and at least three (3) scholarly sources (1 resource can be the textbook):
This case was prepared by Associate Professor Marc L. Lipson. It was written as a basis for class discussion rather than to illustrate effective or ineffective handling of an administrative situation. Copyright 2010 by the University of Virginia Darden School Foundation, Charlottesville, VA. All rights reserved. To order copies, send an e-mail to sales@dardenbusinesspublishing.com. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, used in a spreadsheet, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without the permission of the Darden School Foundation.
We can safely state that no single theory of management is universally accepted today. To provide a useful historical perspective that will guide our study of modern management, we shall discuss five different approaches to management : (1) the universal process approach, (2) the operational approach, (3) the behavioral approach, (4) the systems approach, and (5) the contingency approach. Understanding these general approaches to the theory and practice of management can help you appreciate how management has evolved, where it is today, and where it appears to be headed. Each of the five approaches to management represents a different conceptual framework for better understanding the practice of management.
This case was prepared as a basis for class discussion rather than to illustrate either effective or ineffective handling of an administrative situation. Copyright © 1983 by the President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means — electronic, mechanical,
than to illustrate effective or ineffective handling of an administrative situation. Copyright 2010 by the University
Compare and contrast the management theories of Frederick Taylor, Henri Fayol, Elton Mayo and Douglas McGregor. In what sense(s) are these theories similar and/or compatible? In what sense(s) are these theories dissimilar and/or incompatible? How would a contingency theorist reconcile the points of dissimilarity and/or incompatibility between these approaches?
The Johnsonville Sausage Co. (A) case study from Harvard Business School is about Johnsonville Sausage Co, a sausage manufacturer and wholesaler in Johnsonville, Wisconsin. As the company grew over time, the president of Johnsonville Sausage Co., Ralph Stayer, faced many big problems in his organization. After Stayer listened to a lecture about how managers could change their philosophy and style of management from Dr. Lee Thayer, a professor at the University of Wisconsin, Stayer thought about his organization and found out that the problems in his organization were the result of the way he managed his
“Management is active, not theoretical. It is about changing behaviour and making things happen. It is about developing people, working with them, effort to achieve objective and goals.”(L.Mullins, 2010. P, 425)
Define and discuss the different theories of management, using practical examples from your experience or knowledge. Compare classical management theory to any contemporary.
In today’s ever changing economy, society’s idea of management is becoming increasingly more difficult to sustain with the continuous demands of the position. A successful manager must have a certain level of expertise and problem solving techniques to carry out the daily tasks required. Over the years, there have been various ideas on what management is, such as planning, organizing, leading and controlling.
?A Nice Manager? case study is about the Chisum Industries? ready to promote within the company. The middle-level management can be promoted to top management. The top management team consist of six members Chisum, Jacobson,. Ivey, Hughes and Kennedy (Daft, 2014, p.487). The top management team is having an open discussion about potential candidates to run the San Antonio office. Harry is a middle level manager (Daft, 2014, p.487) who is being considered for Dallas interviews. In the discussion, Harry?s management skills are being discussed within the top management meeting.