The business management major's preparation for organizational leadership

Business Management Major was developed in part on the principle that Business Managers are essential to shaping America's future leaders. Business Managers are responsible in the field for providing diverse and innovative insight into organizations worldwide. A successful Business Major will come away from college with forward thinking notions, creative insight and a disciplined spirit (Harriman, 2003). Career opportunities that often result from studying Business Management include management positions that include but are certainly not limited to the following general areas: manufacturing, business consulting, financial planning, banking, sales, marketing, HR, personnel, engineering (Harriman, 2003). Business Major's are expected to have a dynamic impact in the workplace, and offer insight, political savvy and problem solving ability in a global workforce. The education and course of study required of business managers prepares them in a variety of ways to be effective in the workplace.

CONEPTUAL UNDERPINNINGS/STRATEGIES/BODY OF KNOWLEDGE

Business Management major typically incorporates study from a wide range of areas, including Liberal Arts, finance, sociology, psychology, business strategy, communication and statistics. Many have described the major as a "solid foundation in business topics" combined with "a liberal arts education" (Harriman, 2003). Business majors are among the most well rounded students, as the coursework they engage in encompasses a broad spectrum of ideas and specialties, and requires forward thinking as well as flexibility.

Why study Business Management? Government and business are tied hand in hand; one can't operate without the other (Harriman, 2003). Business also generally plays an important role in social change, and influences the actions of people and policy (Harriman, 2003). Business leaders play an important role in shaping the nations culture, economy and future leaders (Harriman, 2003 & Davis, 1992). A degree in business management provides students with the skills necessary to tackle these responsibilities in the workplace.

A typical Business major includes courses from a broad range of topics. Typically studied by business majors are the following areas: Writing, Sociology, Calculus, Statistics, Accounting, Economics, Finance, Marketing, Communications, Employment Law, International Studies and sometimes a foreign language (Harriman, 2003 & Davis, 1992). The business major is one of the most well rounded major, as students are typically exposed to the broadest range of education available.

A well rounded education provides students with the insight necessary to problem solve in a variety of manners (Davis, 1992). Business managers necessarily have the skills needed to see the bigger picture in an organizational setting (DeLuca, 1999). There horizon is not limited by knowledge in one or two key areas only, rather a well studied business major has the ability to understand the complexity of many different aspects of the organization (DeLuca, 1999). This diversity of thinking and approach can provide more effective communication and workforce integration in any environment (Kaye, 1999).

COURSEWORK/RELEVANCE TO CAREER

Many aspects of the coursework related to the business major are useful. Business Managers are often involved in many types of work. They may be responsible for providing financial insight, budgeting, interacting with internal and external customers, negotiating problems, developing teams, establishing goals, enforcing policies and budgeting or financing (Davis, 1992). Some of the aspects of the coursework that are beneficial in accomplishing these tasks include courses in statistics, accounting, business strategy and communications.

Financial acumen is important in today's workforce. Coursework in statistics and accounting is essential for establishing a students potential for success in the workplace. Business managers are required to analyze financial data, budget and impact a corporation financially on several levels, whether they are directly involved as a member of the financial team or not. In an organization facing economic hardship, the business manager may be called upon to make decisive decisions regarding personnel issues that will impact the budget in several ways. Given the poor state of the economy nationally and globally in recent years, this aspect of coursework has proven very beneficial in judging what aspects of finance may be critical to assess in future career positions.

Perhaps the most critical courses a business major can take and gain from are those related to international business relations and communications. In today's changing society, it is essential that majors graduate with an understanding of the dynamic nature of the business environment from a global perspective. Today's business managers can only be successful if they incorporate effective communication strategies into their every day protocol. Business managers are often responsible for initiating and maintaining business contacts, networks and building relationships. Without effective communication skills this aspect of the career is lost. International communications courses allow students perspectives on the different manner in which organizations worldwide conduct business. What seems appropriate in one setting may not be as appropriate in another. A manager can only be as effective as his/her ability to communicate thoughts and ideas effectively to other managers, leaders, customers and staff. Without adequate communications skills, a student will graduate without the potential for success in the workforce.

CONCLUSION

The Business Major is perhaps one of the most complex and well rounded courses of study a student can engage in. No other major engages students in as diverse a manner, and prepares them for the challenges they will face in the business world as well as the business major. The major requires expertise and knowledge with a broad-based foundation, which is essential for success in the workplace.

The major prepares students to enter the workforce with a well rounded philosophy. It provides students with a background in many diverse and different disciplines, all of which are essential for success in today's global marketplace. A Business Major must have exceptional communication skills, integrity and mathematical ability to succeed in today's workforce. This research has confirmed that without a well rounded course of study, a business major graduate will lack the tools necessary to become an influential and politically savvy member of the workforce upon graduating. Successful attainment of a career in management can be found in many different areas. The Business Manager is not limited to a narrow field of growth, but rather can find employment and career opportunities in many different segments of the workplace. The research also indicates that a career in business perhaps involves the most diverse perspective and opportunities.