The Organizing Functions of Management
Introduction
The organizing functions of management entail combining a synchronized system of human resources, financial and physical resources such that the firm is able to attain its objectives. Knowledge as an aspect of organizing functions of management is concerned with intense acquiring, as well as, gathering immense information and later on disseminating the information in the right way. Technology on the other hand as an organizing function of management is crucial in this era of advanced technological use where firms store information regarding their business affairs. Wal-Mart as a business enterprise has developed efficiency in utilizing the two organizing functions namely; technology and knowledge.
Discussion
Knowledge as an organizing function of management
Wal-Mart has incorporated knowledge as an atmosphere of knowing as part of their culture. In the recent years, ethnical diversity has been on the increased and firms have to adjust their workplaces. Knowledge of this diversity is essential in maintaining harmonious environments that foster success and creativity among the workmates. Ethnical ensures that work related skills are incorporated from various perspectives hence diversity ensures that creativity is enhanced in the firm (Bateman and Snell, 2009).
Due to difference in managerial skills knowledge of this diversity, managers will be in a better position to execute the best strategies to ensure that less vertical conflicts are experienced due to misunderstandings on racial or cultural basis. Language barriers are especially equivocal in causing intense problems between individuals of different backgrounds due to disparities in the misunderstandings in the form of verbal and non verbal communication. Consequently, knowledge of the ethical values of different cultures is vital in delegation and planning duties of management as some employees may fail to understand their specific duties hence conflicts arise, as well as, poor results are attained. Similarly, knowledge of the code of ethics at Wal-Mart is significant in preventing avoidable issues that are carried out unknowingly (Irwin, 2005).
Knowledge as an organizing function of management entails thorough possession of adequate managerial skills such as incorporating employees in the decisions-making and planning process so as to increase their commitment to assigned duties. When carrying out planning activities of the firms annual activities, management should include other employee’s decisions as a way of increasing their commitment. Other important managerial skills include adoption of proper motivational concepts which will ensure that employees are obliged to spend more time in the vicinity of the firm. Wal-Mart has incorporated substantial support for its employees such that promotion and recognition is directed to all hence creativity in the nature of innovation carried out is enhanced (Irwin, 2005).
Technology as an organizing function of management
Advanced technology has led to increased use of information systems and improved databases which are used to keep track of information regarding the firm. In Wal-Mart, online shopping is carried out in all levels with most customers being present in major countries around the world. Hence there is need to develop an online shop to cater for them, in addition to, establishing information systems team which tracks changes in world trends such that only products that are relevant are stocked in the Wal-mart shops.
Technological application in business is essential in controlling the market whereby the competitors are kept at an arms edge and Wal-Mart has been able to maintain a stable market in the retail industry despite the stiff competition from emerging retail stores. Consequently, globalization has led to increased use of technology such that vital information including data on consumer preferences is hence distribution and pricing of the commodities will be dependent on the data (Bateman, 2009).
The other significant way through which technology as an organizing function is can be used to enhance ease with which the activities are efficiently executed. This is exhibited by using the information systems to track the activities being delegated to employee such that controlling and coordination are made easier. The manager does not have to move from department to department or various stores seeking to establish the working trends of employees as through the employee database which contains adequate information regarding any employee data they may be seeking (Bateman, 2009).
Similarly, the chain of distribution is shortened by incorporating the internet and computer software applications to make business deals faster. In the early days, sealing business deals and transactions involved physical meetings while nowadays online conferencing is carried out regardless of the geographical locality of the parties (Bateman, 2009).
Incorporation of technology and knowledge in Wal-Mart
Wal-mart has embraced technology as part of its daily activities especially with increased globalization which has been equivocal in enhancing market trends. Similarly, introduction of online markets is attributed to advanced use of technology such that business has been made easier and efficient due to increased sales, as well as, a wider market. Online sales have been significant in converting Wal-Mart into one of the world’s largest retailer with more online sales and customers than in the home country. One reason why online and technologically-driven markets have been substantial as a larger market is covered and less physical space to store the products that are retailed. Hence more affinity has been attributed to technology as it has made business in Wal-Mart more efficient due to increased business opportunities (Bateman, 2009).
The other vital way through which Wal-Mart has embraced technology is by renovating the past computers and systems that were previously used and the subsequent replacing with newer versions to increase efficiency. Newer versions of IBM have led to a higher data storage capacity for the firm hence data which was initially thought to be secondary is incorporated into the system. Consequently, these versions are capable of operating various peripheral devices thus more tasks are handled by a single employee (Irwin, 2005).
Knowledge application as an organizing function by Wal-Mart has resulted in increasing diversity of staff such that employees are hired regardless of gender, race and ethnicity to enhance the existing pool of knowledge. Similarly, acquiring staff that are competent in specific areas has led to development of an aggressive team of marketers that is also innovative hence more creativity is added to the firm. This has been vital in attaining the current market share and ensuring that Wal-Mart products remain on top of consumer priority lists (Irwin, 2005).
Managerial knowledge that customers are the number one assets of any firm has also played a crucial role in determining the level of effectiveness in management activities. Similarly, the top management at Wal-Mart learnt through experience that delegation is key in enhancing the overall turn over of a company as management cannot execute all duties in a firm. Thus each member has to possess adequate knowledge of their tasks (Irwin, 2005).
Conclusion
Technology and knowledge are critical in any business setting as a way of ensuring that a firm stays aloft despite the crisis in the industry. As a leading retailer Wal-Mart has depicted a true image of how the two organizing functions of management can be used to ensure that business is effective and efficient.
References
Bateman, T and Snell, S (2009) Management: Leading and Collaborating in a Competitive World. (8th Edition) McGraw-Hill
Irwin, B. (2005). Wal-Mart Space. Wal-Mart Structure. Retrieved on August 11, 2010 from:http://walmartspace.com/2005/10/wal-mart-structure.html.
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