Question response analysis and interpretation methods

¶ … Leadership

How do VALUES influence MISSION and VISION in an organization? Explain how conflicting values are dealt with in organizational culture.

Values provide the framework in which the company can operate within. The values of a company influence the mission and the vision of the company because it is the foundation by which the company operates. Values, mission, and vision all, in many respects, are the key elements in a companies strategic initiatives. As such, they are often communicated to all members of the organization including employees, management, volunteers, investors, and other stakeholders. Shared values influence all the activities within the organization, which directly corresponds to both the company's mission and vision. It also clearly defines its relationships with key stakeholders such as investors or suppliers. Values are often expressed in a manner that is easily understandable by all stakeholder groups involved. This expression comes in the form of codes of ethics, codes of conduct, general guidelines, or rules of operation. For example, Nike may value a clear and orderly work environment irrespective of geographic location. Therefore, the company may reject suppliers within the Asian market who fail to meet this requirement. In many instances, these suppliers can produce the Nike shoes more efficiently than there competitors who pay higher wages to keep there respective facilities clean. However, the supplier does not align well with the value of Nike and therefore would not be strategic partner. In this instance, the values of the organization guided the overall strategic initiatives of the business. These strategic initiatives that are affected by the organizations values directly correlate to the company's mission and vision.

Conflicting values are dealt with both directly and indirectly within an organization. In many instances, human resources can clarify any misunderstanding with company values through proper training. However, the overall actions of the organization usually determine the overall value that is placed on certain activities. If the organization is very conservative in their overall assessment of risk and liabilities, then they value honest accounting principles. Conflicting values are determined by what the organization does rather than what it says on paper.

Making reference to your reading assignments, explain how Classical, Neoclassical, Behavioral and Post-modern theory address leadership.

Classical Theory- Classical Theory addresses leadership through the traits and characteristics that makes a leader effective. Classical theories differ in their belief in leadership. Some theories suggest leaders are born while others suggest that they are creates through observation, trial, and error. Many trait theories discuss the common factors that all successful leaders possess. These abilities include assertiveness, the ability to motivate others, and intelligence. Classical theory also suggests how leaders should act given certain prevailing circumstances. In many instances through leaders will need to motivate a team in differing manners given the surroundings that are prevailing.

Neoclassical Theory- The neoclassical approach to leadership addresses the socio-psychological impact of leadership. This theory attempts to address the human relationship aspects of leadership. The Hawthorne studies providing insights into how a leader should operate given differing cultural and socio-economical backgrounds. Effective leaders should have great interrelationships with coworkers. In addition, personnel should have a sense of belonging within the workplace in an effort to increase productivity. Finally, through neoclassical theory, leaders should understand the manner in which employees behave within the group.

Behavioral Theory- Behavior theory focuses primarily on the overall behaviors that quality leader's exhibit. For behavioral theorists, a leader's behavior is the best predictor of his leadership ability and is therefore the best determinant of his leadership success. Behavior theorist suggests that behaviors can be taught or conditioned in response to certain stimuli within the work environment. The best leaders, according to this theory can be taught the most appropriate response to a given situation. This theory goes into further detail by providing two categories of leadership. Task oriented individuals and people oriented individuals. Those that are task oriented tend to focus on the behaviors within the organizational structure while people oriented individuals focus on the individuals within the organization. In either situation, the leader must adapt to differing stimuli in an effort to be effective.

Post-modern Theory- Post modern leadership pertains mainly to the empowerment of employees. Post modern leaders are more long-term oriented and provide more decision making power to employees. The organizational structure is flatter which allows for quick decisions regarding strategic initiatives. In this theory, workers are seen as an investment within the future of the organization, with the leader acting accordingly.

Based on class discussions regarding impact and influence of a specific event (or societal interests/agenda) on organizational CULTURE and BEHAVIOR, describe how 911 changed your unit's role from an organizational perspective taking into account what is now different in terms of culture, values, and behavior.

Due primarily to 9/11, our unit has an intense focus on safety and security. These values although always in consideration, have now moved to the forefront of the unit. These values have ultimately changes how the unit operates. The unit now through its behaviors focuses intensely on the safety of employees and how our actions impact the safety of the community at large. Our behaviors have subsequently changed as the unit now focuses on the safety in regards to its overall actions. The organization has changes its culture with this emphasis on proactive prevention of safety concerns. More exhaustive training in regards to safety compliance has now been initiated. Leaders within the organization now discuss the implications of unexpected events as they relate to the overall units performance.

From the G & B. readings, (a) provide a comprehensive description of "bureaucracies" including network theory, values, client participation, and the 5 lessons learned from evaluating bureaucracies in light of theories. (b)Additionally, please include 5 positive aspects of bureaucracies from your perspective.