Subject | Essay Writing | Pages | 5 | Style | APA |
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Question
Order Instructions:
Management
Management
Pick one successful and one unsuccessful organisation you are familiar with. Compare and contrast how top managers at these two organisations effectively and ineffectively utilised Fayol’s four functions in their firms.
Hint:
Please pick organisations that are well known. Please check your organisation with your tutor if you are unsure. Your tutor needs to be aware of your chosen organisation as your tutor is marking your paper. Please consult your tutor by week two (week beginning 12 August).
Essay plan (10 percent):
submit a 400 word essay plan. The word co unt is plus or minus 10% or 40 words (not including reference list). Marks will be deducted if students do not follow the word count guideline. Your essay plan will be handed back to you before you submit your final essay.
Your essay plan must consist of paragraphs and consist of the following:
Introduction (100 words)
1. Make a general statement about the topic
2. Provide background information
3. State the position you will argue for—your thesis statement
4. Mention the points you will cover in your essay scope of your essay
Body – developing your argument (200 words)
1. Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence
2. Develop each main idea by making e.g. comparisons and contrasts, using referenced explanations, examples, definitions etc.
3. Conclude by summarising or linking to ideas to the idea being discussed in the next paragraph
Conclusion (100 words)
1. Restate your position/thesis statement
2. Sum up the main points made in each paragraph
3. Finish with a strong statement about the wider context
Answer
Introduction
Effective application of Fayal’s managerial functions is a prerequisite for significant success in the management of modern day organizations where the human function is recognized as a crucial component of the organization performance. Fayal was the first scholar to discover the specific managerial functions of controlling, coordinating, commanding, organizing, and planning (Joyce et al. 2008, 109). He is regarded as the father of modern administrative management through his perspective that focuses on general and attitude theories of managers’ practice. However, currently, the perspective only contains four functions of controlling, leading, coordinating, and planning. This paper proceeds to offer an outline of a study on the effectiveness and applicability of the four functions in Fayal’s approach by analyzing the management of two companies that have adopted this approach; Australian Air Express (AAE), a success story and Motorola, a company that has not been performing well recently.
The analysis of the two companies AAE and Motorola will involve comparison of the way managers in each of the companies have adopted Fayal’s four functions in their management. The essay will also contrast the implementation of the four functions of management in the two companies. Additionally, it will critically analyze the essence of the success achieved by the AAE as compared to the failure of the Motorola Company in implementing the four basic functions of management. The author champions the thesis that the application of Fayal’s principles in strategic management offer pragmatic guidelines to even current managers, as witnessed in the success stories of the analyzed entities.
Body
This perspective is a shift away from the traditional approaches to a view that the technical function in an organization is not necessarily the most critical (Joyce et al. 2008, 109). Notably, the perspective identifies that the human resource is a strategic function and component of any organization. In this regard, this strategic function should be recognized and managed as such through proper planning and scheduling in such a way that the organization is able to meet the needs of the employees and the requirements of the firm. This in turn has implications in the way things are done in conducting business through developing and improving functions such as practices of hiring and training of employees.
Although Motorola emerged as a technological giant especially in the production of mobile phones back in 2003, the company is currently facing challenges remaining profitable and competitive within the industry that has fierce competition. Analysis of the management approach of the company illustrates a failure on the part of the management to effectively integrate the four basic functions of management to meet the needs of the customers through innovation and market needs analysis (Kumari 2011, 24). On the other hand, AAE has adopted Fayol’s managerial functions in terms of effective controlling, leading, coordinating, and planning recording substantial success (Prajogo et al. 2014, 62). In this regard, it is imperative for any firm that aims at remaining competitive in the contemporary market to effectively develop appropriate strategies for ensuring proper management of their human resource.
Conclusion
The critical areas of focus are the Fayal’s four functions in which a manager should demonstrate good performance in order to achieve the organization’s goals. Fayal’s perspective is a critical guide to practicing modern management (Joyce et al. 2008, 109). As such, the theory can be used to analyze the dimensions of management for businesses as a foundation for modern day management. Fayal for instance, identified the need for all services not to be localized, but rather to be efficient and effective. Analysis of the two companies reveals that effective applicability of Fayal’s managerial functions by managers can help realize substantial organizational success.
References
Joyce, L, Pond, S, & Thayer, P 2008, 'Managerial Functions: An Alternative To Traditional Assessment Center Dimensions?', Personnel Psychology, 1, p. 109.
Kumari, N 2011, 'Applying Six Sigma in Software Companies for Process Improvement', Review Of Management, 1, 2, pp. 21-33
Prajogo, D, McDermott, C, & Jayaram, J 2014, 'The Role of Technological Intensity in Services on the Capability to Performance Relationships – An Examination in the Australian Context', Journal of Engineering and Technology Management, 31, pp. 58-72.