Introduction to Management, Organizational Environment, and Ethical Decision-Making

What is the definition of management according to Clayton M. Christensen?

Management is the opportunity to help people become better people.

What are the four functions of management?

Planning, Organizing, Leading, and Controlling.

What does it mean to manage effectively?

Accomplishing tasks that help fulfill organizational objectives.

What does it mean to manage efficiently?

Getting work done with minimum effort, expense, or waste.

What are the roles of top managers?

They provide overall direction and organizational vision.

What is the primary responsibility of middle managers?

Set objectives aligned with top goals, allocate resources, and monitor performance.

What is the role of team leaders in management?

Facilitate team planning, problem-solving, and performance.

What do first-line managers do?

Train and supervise non-managerial employees.

What are the three essential skills required to be a manager?

Technical skills, human skills, and conceptual skills.

Why are technical skills most important for team leaders and lower-level managers?

They require specialized procedures, techniques, and knowledge to get the job done.

What is the importance of human skills in management?

They are equally important at all levels and involve working well with others and effective communication.

What are conceptual skills in management?

The ability to see the organization as a whole and understand how different parts affect each other.

What are some common mistakes managers make?

Insensitivity to others, being cold or aloof, betraying trust, over-ambition, and overmanaging.

What competitive advantages can companies gain through people?

Employment security, selective hiring, competitive compensation, ongoing training, and reducing status differences.

What is the significance of investing in employees for organizational success?

It ensures organizational success by fostering commitment and productivity.

What historical management concept emphasizes the importance of the system over the individual?

Frederick Winslow Taylor's principle that 'in the future the system must be first'.

What does understanding the history of management help us with?

It helps us understand modern management practices.

What is the focus of scientific management?

Improving economic efficiency and labor productivity through systematic studies.

What is the role of operations management?

To oversee, design, and control production processes and redesign business operations.

What is the significance of human relations management?

It focuses on the interpersonal relationships and the social aspects of work.

What is the impact of decentralization on management?

It allows for self-managed teams and empowers employees.

What does the term 'competitive compensation' refer to in management?

Offering salaries and benefits that attract and retain talented employees.

What is the purpose of ongoing training in an organization?

To ensure employees have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform effectively.

How has management adapted to societal changes over time?

Management has adapted based on societal, economic, political, and technological changes.

What was the nature of work before modern management practices?

Work took place at home or on farms, with more trade jobs and family businesses, leading to less need for formal management.

What are some characteristics of modern work environments compared to the past?

Commutes can exceed an hour, more people work outside the home, performance is monitored, and clear company goals exist.

Who is considered the father of scientific management?

Frederick Taylor.

What is scientific management?

The thorough study and testing of different work methods to identify the most efficient ways to complete a job.

What contributions did Frank and Lillian Gilbreth make to management?

They conducted motion studies to eliminate inefficiencies and dramatically increased productivity.

What is the purpose of a Gantt chart?

To aid in project scheduling and management.

What is bureaucracy in management?

The exercise of control based on knowledge, with authority given based on expertise.

What management principles did Henri Fayol develop?

14 principles including division of work, unity of command, and scalar chain for organizational efficiency.

What does Human Relations and Behavioral Management focus on?

It acknowledges that worker attitudes and relationships influence productivity and emphasizes the psychological and social aspects of work.

Who conducted the Hawthorne Studies and what was their significance?

Elton Mayo conducted the studies, revealing the impact of social factors and human needs on performance.

What did Chester Barnard emphasize in his management approach?

He emphasized cooperation and the acceptance of authority within organizations.

What is Systems Management?

It views organizations as open systems that interact with their environments and are comprised of interrelated subsystems.

What is the focus of Contingency Management?

It posits that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to management; it must adapt to the situation.

How has Information Management changed decision-making?

Innovations like telegraphs and the internet have enhanced decision-making speed.

What does Quantitative Management involve?

Using mathematical models and statistics for decision-making.

What challenge does a new store manager at Starbucks face?

Long customer wait times, rising complaints, employee turnover, and pressure to cut costs while maintaining service quality.

What should a manager consider when addressing workplace challenges?

Whether to focus on structure, people, or adaptability in management.

How can management adapt to changing technology or globalization?

By implementing new technologies and adjusting strategies to meet global market demands.

What role do employee relationships play in organizational success?

They are crucial as they affect motivation and effort, impacting overall productivity.

What is the significance of performance improvement plans in modern management?

They are used to monitor employee performance and facilitate improvement.

What are the four components of the general environment?

Economy, Technological, Sociocultural, Political/Legal.

What are the five components of the specific environment?

Customers, Competitors, Suppliers, Industry Regulators, Advocacy Groups.

How does the economy affect organizations?

The current state of a country's economy affects virtually every organization doing business there.

What is the significance of technological changes for companies?

Technological changes can help companies provide better products or produce their products more efficiently.

What demographic factors are included in the sociocultural component?

Demographic characteristics, general behavior, attitudes, and beliefs of people in a particular society.

What does the political/legal component encompass?

Legislation, regulations, and court decisions that govern and regulate business behavior.

What is reactive customer monitoring?

Identifying and addressing customer trends and problems after they occur.

What is proactive customer monitoring?

Identifying and addressing customer needs, trends, and issues before they occur.

What defines competitors in the specific environment?

Companies in the same industry that sell similar products or services to customers.

What role do suppliers play in the specific environment?

Suppliers provide material, human, financial, and informational resources to other companies.

What is the impact of industry regulation on businesses?

Industry regulation consists of regulations and rules that govern the practices and procedures of specific industries.

What are advocacy groups?

Groups of concerned citizens who band together to influence the business practices of specific industries.

What is environmental change in the context of organizations?

Environmental change refers to the rate at which the external environment changes, categorized as slow (stable) or fast (dynamic).

What does environmental complexity refer to?

Environmental complexity refers to the number of components in the environment and their relationships, categorized as simple or complex.

What is resource scarcity?

Resource scarcity refers to the abundance or shortage of critical organizational resources in an organization's environment.

How is environmental uncertainty characterized?

Environmental uncertainty is characterized as low (predictable) or high (unpredictable), similar to the game of chess.

Why is understanding the external environment important for managers?

It shapes managerial decisions and helps companies adapt to changes.

What is the relationship between organizational culture and success?

Organizational cultures are created to help companies be successful by aligning values and behaviors with business goals.

What is the role of economic statistics in managerial decision-making?

Economic statistics are often poor predictors of future economic activity, making them challenging for decision-making.

How do changes in sociocultural factors affect businesses?

Changes in demographic characteristics and societal behaviors influence how businesses operate and the demand for products.

What is the significance of monitoring customer needs?

Monitoring changing customer wants and needs is critical to business success.

What factors influence the relationship between companies and their suppliers?

The level of dependence between companies and their suppliers significantly impacts the quality of their relationship.

What strategies can advocacy groups use to influence businesses?

Advocacy groups may use public communications, media advocacy, and product boycotts to influence business practices.

What is the difference between slow and fast environmental change?

Slow change indicates a stable environment, while fast change indicates a dynamic environment that requires rapid adaptation.

What are the three main responses managers have to environmental change?

Monitoring external trends, interpreting data, and acting on threats or opportunities.

What is organizational culture?

A set of key values, beliefs, and attitudes shared by members of the organization.

What are artifacts in organizational culture?

Visible elements such as dress code, office layouts, behaviors of workers and managers, and what people say.

What are expressed values in an organization?

Beliefs that are openly stated, including mission statements and how decisions are made.

What are basic assumptions in organizational culture?

Unconscious beliefs and assumptions that are rarely discussed or thought about.

What is the definition of ethics?

A set of moral principles or values that defines right and wrong for a person or group.

What constitutes ethical behavior?

Actions that align with accepted principles of right or wrong.

What is workplace deviance?

Unethical behavior that violates organizational norms about right and wrong.

What is the purpose of the US Sentencing Commission Guidelines?

To encourage companies to take proactive steps to prevent white-collar crime, not just to punish after violations occur.

How is the base fine determined under the US Sentencing Commission Guidelines?

It is set based on the severity of the offense.

What is a culpability score?

A score that assesses a company's involvement in an offense.

What are potential consequences for individuals if workplace deviance occurs?

Verbal and written warnings, suspension, termination of employment, and legal actions.

What percentage of employees reported being pressured to commit unethical acts?

22% of employees.

What percentage of employees observed unethical behavior?

33% of employees.

What percentage of employees who observed unethical behavior reported it?

62% of employees.

What is a common consequence faced by employees who report unethical behavior?

36% experienced retaliation for reporting.

What factors influence managers' ethical decision-making?

Ethical intensity of the decision, moral development of the manager, and ethical principles used.

What is ethical intensity?

The significance of the decision, such as life or death versus a minor theft.

What are some ethical principles that managers might use in decision-making?

Long-term self-interest, religious injunctions, government requirements, individual rights, personal virtue, distributive justice, and utilitarian benefits.

What is an ethical dilemma?

A situation where a person must choose between conflicting ethical principles.

What is the ethical dilemma faced by Santiago in his relationship with Jasmine?

Whether to disclose his past relationship with Emily, which could damage trust.

What ethical dilemma does Braeden face as captain of his basketball team?

The notes do not provide details, but it implies he faces a moral decision related to his role.

What critical moment does Braeden face during the championship game?

He must decide whether to tell the truth about a play that could affect his evaluation by professional scouts.

What financial challenge does Cindy face regarding her grandmother's medication?

Cindy's grandmother requires a brand name medication costing $1200 per month, which is not covered by insurance.

What ethical dilemma does Cindy consider to address her grandmother's medication costs?

Whether stealing money from her friend Evelyn, who works at a pharmacy, to pay for the medication is morally justified.

What extreme moral dilemma is presented in the scenario of the group enjoying an outdoor adventure?

A person gets stuck in a cave, and if not removed, everyone will perish due to rising water.

What is commonly accepted regarding killing in the context of saving others?

Killing a person is generally considered wrong, but the morality may be questioned when it is done to save others.

What are some strategies managers can use to encourage ethical decision-making in organizations?

Selecting and hiring ethical employees, establishing a specific code of ethics, training employees to make ethical decisions, and creating an ethical climate.

What is the purpose of overt integrity tests in hiring?

To estimate job applicants' honesty by directly asking about their views on theft and punishment of unethical behaviors.

How do personality-based integrity tests assess job applicants?

They indirectly estimate honesty by measuring psychological traits such as dependability and conscientiousness.

What must a company do to establish a specific code of ethics?

Communicate the code to both internal and external stakeholders and develop practical ethical standards specific to its business.

Why is training employees to make ethical decisions important?

It helps create an ethical company culture and ensures that employees understand the ethical standards expected of them.