Modern Business Paradigm - Essay Example

Reflexive Managers Are Required For Contemporary Organizations. Discuss Using Examples Table of Contents Introduction 3 Role of a Leader in Organisational Operations 4 Reflexive Manager/Management 5 Importance of Reflexive Managers in the Contemporary Organisations with Examples 7 Conclusion 13 References 14 Introduction Business paradigm has changed rapidly over the years owing to the advancement in the field of technology and the emergence of various new and improved means of conducting business activities. It will be vital to mention that companies that fail to cope up with the transforming business environment will be incapable of sustaining in the global business market for a longer duration of time. Contextually, companies have the need to emerge with effective and innovative strategies that might strengthen the competitive position of the company amid the global and the domestic market players. Consequently, it can be affirmed that without proper strategies, companies will not able to gain a sustainable position in the market. In this regard, it is important that companies devise their objectives and strategies parallel to one another in an effective and efficient manner further enhancing the prospect for gaining utmost level of success. However, it will also be important to mention that proper execution of the strategies is also deemed to be quite vital in order to attain the benefits for the overall business. Contextually, the role of managers or management comes into being. Managers provide the ultimate guidance to the entire business from which it can move to the positive direction and yield beneficial results for the entire business. However, executing the plans of the business needs proper support from the various resources of the corporation which primarily include the human resources as well. Proper guidance to the human resources requires appropriate and innovative style of leadership from the managers (Nieuwenhuizen, 2007). Contextually, it is believed that reflexive style of leadership is quite vital as it is effective and efficient in the domain of influencing employees towards their work. In order to get a proper understanding in in this regard, the paper will provide a thorough discussion regarding whether reflexive managers are required in the contemporary organisations with the assistance of examples. Role of a Leader in Organisational Operations Notably, the scenario of business activities has altered by a considerable extent in recent years owing to which companies have the need to develop diverse range of strategies so that they could be able to gain utmost level of efficacy and competitiveness in their operations. However, it is important to execute the plans of the business effectively in order to ensure maximum benefits from the strategies devised by the business. Contextually, the role of human resources of the business becomes quite significant in this regard as they are ultimately responsible to execute the plans of the business into practical arena. Among the various human resources of the business, the role of a leader is deemed to be quite crucial as he/she is ultimately responsible for steering the performance of the employees in the workplace. A leader is a person who guides the entire team towards a particular direction that can ensure the accomplishment of the goals and objectives of the organisation in an efficient and effective manner altogether. It will be not be ambiguous to depict that the operational effective of any business is directly dependent on the efficacy of leadership in the workplace. The role of a leader comprises motivating the employees, guiding them in a proper direction and preventing as well as resolving conflicts in the workplace which directly result in enhancing the productivity of the employees which ultimately is a valuable prospect for the overall operations of the business. This aspect depicts the significance of a leader in the organisational purview. Different leaders have dissimilar approaches and each one of them has their own set of strengths and limitations. However, in the contemporary scenario where the business is changing rapidly, the approach of reflexive style of management is deemed to be quite crucial (Hughes & et. al., 2013). This particular approach is described in details hereunder. Reflexive Manager/Management In keeping with the foregoing observation, it can be ascertained that there are various ways through which leaders manage the operations of the business in the workplace. However, as per the changing nature of the business along with fluctuations of the demands of the customers, the prospects of reflexive management are considered to be quite high and it is ascertained to be an important approach. In the contemporary scenario, the workplace needs a manager or a supervisor who is quite mindful of his/her surroundings and who acts in accordance with the changing the demands. Contextually, it can be stated that a ‘mindful manager’ is the one who has a reflexive and reflective nature where he/she learns from the past experience and utilises the same in the present decision making. This sort of manager intends to develop their ability and competencies which can ultimately enhance their working approach. According to the study of Albrecht & Elisabeth (2003), a reflexive manager is one who believes in conducting his/her tasks in a simplified and succinct manner further ensuring less complexity. It is a particular principle of management that is well established in various sectors with noteworthy results from its implementation. In similar regard, Griffin (2007) highlighted that a reflexive manager has the nature of involving in quick and proactive decision making by consuming less time. In certain scenarios, reflexive managers are also known to take decisions without acquiring the required information for the same which might again bring about negative outcomes for the overall business unit. For this particular approach of such managers, they are often criticised by experts and they deem this approach to be unfit towards organisational domain. However, on the other hand, the study of Griffin (2007) also depicts the importance and the benefits that are accompanied with the approach of reflexive managers in the contemporary scenario. The study depicted that the reflexive form of managers are decisive in nature and they are hardly involved in delaying in their decision further making the entire working process in the workplace time efficient which is again a valuable prospect for the overall business process. Furthermore, the study of Armstrong & Fukami (2009) also revealed how the reflexive managers execute their job role. The study defines reflexivity as a particular approach which is unsettling in nature and works with the adoption of basic assumptions towards depicting the reality. The study further affirms that the aspect of reflexivity also enables the managers in the workplace to be more critical thinkers with regard to their decisions making process. Managers in the workplace are often considered as a moral and neutral technician who has maximum impact towards the people in the workplace along with the external environment and the society altogether. They are also among the major reasons for the development and growth of a business in the long run. The study of Armstrong & Fukami (2009) also affirms that the approach of reflexivity amid the contemporary managers gather the attractions of many as it is both controversial as well as effective at the same time to a certain extent (Armstrong & Fukami, 2009). Again, the study of Armstrong & Fukami (2009) also ascertained the role of reflexive managers in the contemporary scenario. In the changing world of business, managers have the need to take effective as well as instant decisions in which the reflexive managers fit the bill comprehensively. These managers are involved in systematic thinking based on their past experiences with regard to the business domain. This sort of managers also has the competencies to take decisions in multi domain at a single time which is again beneficial as per the present day business context. This sort of management approach is also deemed to be beneficial with regard to long-term policies of the business (Armstrong & Fukami, 2009). Importance of Reflexive Managers in the Contemporary Organisations with Examples The operations of any organisations is dependent on various crucial aspects which together collectively determine the operational efficacy of the business units. Among the various resources that are crucial with regard to organisational performance, the role of leaders is deemed to be quite vital in the workplace. Leaders are known to show the right directions to the entire team towards attaining the goals and the objectives of the business. Leaders or managers are directly accountable to enhance the operations of the business. It is worth mentioning that leaders adopt various approaches towards executing their duties and responsibilities. Reflexivity is among the most talked about approaches of the modern day managers towards dealing with the increasing challenges of the business. In accordance with the earlier discussions, reflexive managers are quite proactive in nature and intend to take quick decisions on the basis of their past experiences, which have further enhanced the importance of their presence in the contemporary. In order to derive a comprehensive understanding various literatures and studies have been deliberated. According to the study of Nobre (n.d.), the approaches of management have changed rapidly in the recent times owing to the changes of the business scenario. Managers now-a-days have to be more involved in active thinking towards executing their job roles and responsibilities in an efficient and effective manner altogether. The study affirms that managers have the need to shift towards a more reflexive approach in their operations where they could be able to focus on their visions and competences along with their knowledge towards enhancing their decision making. The study has also argued that reflexivity often ensures maximum participation of the managers towards the development of the organisations which is among the core activities of workplace managers. Reflexivity amid the managers involves the approach of conducting activities with the assistance of interpretation and intuition along with imagination. All these factors though have less relevance with a systematic approach of management but it can ensure maximum positive results for the modern day business organisations (Nobre, n.d.). Consequently, it can be affirmed that reflexive management approach in the contemporary organisations plays a vital role. In this similar regard, Hardy & et. al. (2001) depict reflexivity as the process one follows while reflecting from the past experiences and developing the present decisions for the business. Reflexivity among the managers within the organisations will allow a business to succeed and widen its reach in multiple directions which is again deemed to be an appreciative prospect for the modern day business units. This is owing to the fact that managers with reflexive practices within the workplace tend to execute their business in a rapid manner which is again deemed to be appropriate in the present day business context (Hardy & et. al., 2001). Furthermore, with regard to the importance of reflexive approach in the contemporary scenario, the article of Lingnan University Fong Sum Wood Library (n.d.) will be crucial to consider. The article affirms that the ability of an individual to reflect upon their experiences and learning and managing the present role contributes positively in his/her job role or any other personal domain. This aspect can also be applicable for the managers in the workplace who can adopt reflexivity approach to ensure positivity in their work. With the approach of reflective management, managers could be able to manage conflicts and behavioural differences amid the workforce of the organisation in an effective and efficient manner further enhancing the productivity of the entire team. It is believed that in the modern day business workplace, the approach of the human resources in the workplace largely determines the business performance. Hence, managers who are able to ensure better coordination and team work amid the employees will be able acquire better results from the same. This aspect also shows the importance of having reflexive management in the contemporary scenario (Lingnan University Fong Sum Wood Library, n.d.). The example of Chinese companies and their operations will provide a more comprehensive understanding in this context. In keeping with the findings mentioned in the article of Lingnan University Fong Sum Wood Library (n.d.), 100s of the teams in China stated that they are able to perform effectively under the guidance of a reflexive management or manager where they are able to explore their innovative and creative nature further ensuring maximum efficacy in their work. This aspect is also crucial with regard to determining whether reflexive managers are important in the modern organisations or not. Notably, the discussion can also be substantiated by the perceptions of Lussier (2008). According to the study, reflexivity is the process where individuals find their own way of answering questions around them with the assistance of their attitudes, perceptions and values along with the past experiences. Contextually, it is worth mentioning that in the present day business scenarios, companies have the need to develop strategies in an instant manner as per the changing nature of the external business environment. In this regard, the presence of reflexive managers within the workforce might prove to be beneficial as they do not rely on information and other systematic approaches with regard to developing strategies and taking specific actions which are again deemed to be quite beneficial in the contemporary organisations. This aspect might allow companies to gain control over the competitors in the market further augmenting the performance of the business in a comprehensive manner altogether (Lussier, 2008). This also depicts the need for reflexive managers in the contemporary organisations. It is known that reflexive managers counter their own thoughts and values with regard to the aspect of making decisions. The reflexive managers are also often regarded as organisations’ man as they put the organisational interests ahead of their personal interests, which work in favour of the business. The article of Garrety (2005) also depicts the appropriateness of reflexivity within the modern day organisations. According to the study, the aspect of reflexivity within the managers or leaders of the business is also a vital component that works effectively in the domain of change within the work culture. A reflexive manager will probably have the ability to handle the employees or the human resources of the business in an effective manner. In this regard, he/she will also have the competency to alter the beliefs and emotions of the employees in the organisation which is also a prominent determinant in eliminating the aspect of change reluctance within the business. Since companies in the contemporary scenario have the need to transform business activities as per the need of the external environment, the approach of the reflexive managers is deemed to be quite vital by a considerable extent (Garrety, 2005). The assessment of the a number of practical examples of the adoption of reflexive management approach can also be vital to describe with regard to depicting the importance or the need for reflexive managers in the modern day business organisations. Notably, Toyota which is one of the biggest and most reputed automobile companies of the world is deemed to be quite appreciative towards ensuring reflexivity in their management approach. The company believes that its human resources are amid the major assets of the business and they are ultimately responsible for enhancing the quality of products and services. Contextually, the company comprehends the importance of maintaining a work culture where employees can deliver high level of performance along with the adherence of specific rules and standards of the workplace. This aspect shows the reflexive approach of the management towards managing people in the workplace. This further works positively for the company as it has witnessed immense growth in its business over the years (Toyota, 2003). In this regard, the example of Tesco will also be an important prospect to provide a more comprehensive understanding about the importance of reflexive management in the modern day organisations. The management team of the organisation is quite flexible in nature and they move in accordance with the changing demands of the external environment. The management of the business continuously strives for maximum development of the employees in the workplace through involving them in organisational decision making and enhancing their ability to accomplish the goals and objectives of the organisation. With this particular approach, the management of the company develops potential leaders for the future. The company has been quite successful in this regard over the years and it has also been able to acquire positive results from the same (Tesco, 2009). From the overall analysis of the study, it can be comprehended that with the transforming nature of the modern day businesses, companies need to act in accordance with the needs and demands of the customers for which they need to build an effective and knowledgeable workforce. Correspondingly, the aspect of reflexive management can be beneficial as it works towards enhancing the working approach of the human resources and influencing them to augment productivity and quality. Reflexive managers in the workplace also have the capability to deal with or adapt to organisational changes. These aspects are collectively beneficial for business units, which further show that they are important for the business growth. Hence, it can be said that reflexive managers are indeed very much required in the contemporary scenario. Conclusion From the overall analysis of the foregoing discussion, it can be comprehended that companies in the present day scenario are dealing with immense challenges from the external business environment. This is because of the changing customer demands and the prevailing uncertainties and risks associated with the business. In this regard, companies need to make their managerial approach diverse and distinct as compared to that of the competitors to get a competitive advantage in the global market. Subsequently, the role of leaders in the business is deemed to be quite vital as they are involved in the proper execution of the organisational goals and objectives. They also perform a major role in steering the performance of the human resources in a collective manner further enhancing the performance of the organisation. However, since businesses have seen rapid and continuous changes over the past decade, it is important that leadership or managerial style is also changed accordingly. Contextually, the aspect of reflexive management will be vital to consider. Reflexive is a particular style that largely works on the past results and present realities rather than depending on information and forecasts. Managers with reflexive approaches are deemed to take decisions at quite a rapid pace which is again a beneficial prospect in the present day scenario. Hence, from the overall analysis, it can be concluded that reflexive managers are indeed vital for businesses and their presence might act positively for the overall success of the organisations. References Albrecht, B. & Elisabeth, B., 2003. Management as Reflexive Practice and the Role of Transactive Knowledge. Organizational Learning and Knowledge, pp. 1-15. Armstrong, S. J. & Fukami, C. V., 2009. The SAGE Handbook of Management Learning, Education and Development. SAGE. Griffin, R., 2007. Fundamentals of Management. Cengage Learning. Garrety, K., 2005. Reflexivity and Normative Change. University of Wollongong, pp. 1-14. Hardy, C. & et. al., 2001. Reflexivity in Organization and Management Theory: A Study Of The Production of the Research ‘Subject’. SAGE Publications, Vol. 54, No. 5, pp. 531-560. Hughes, R. L. & et. al., 2013. Becoming a Strategic Leader: Your Role in Your Organizations Enduring Success. John Wiley & Sons. Lussier, R., 2008. Management Fundamentals: Concepts, Applications, Skill Development. Cengage Learning. Lingnan University Fong Sum Wood Library, No Date. Conflict Management and Task Reflexivity for Team In-Role and Extra-Role Performance in China. Resources. [Online] Available at: http://www.library.ln.edu.hk/eresources/etext/hkibs/hkws_0050.pdf [Accessed April 19, 2014]. Nieuwenhuizen, C., 2007. Business Management for Entrepreneurs. Juta and Company Ltd. Nobre, A. L., No Date. Knowledge Processes and Organizational Learning: A Radical Shift in Management Thinking? Download. [Online] Available at: file:///C:/Users/Anif/Downloads/9783540710103-c1.pdf [Accessed April 19, 2014]. Tesco, 2009. Our Stores Dont Manage Themselves. Home. [Online] Available at: http://www.tesco-careers.com/home/you/stores/management-team [Accessed April 19, 2014]. Toyota, 2003. The “Thinking” Production System: TPS as a Winning Strategy for Developing People in the Global Manufacturing Environment. Special Reports. [Online]. Available at: http://media.toyota.co.uk/wp-content/files_mf/1323862732essenceTPS.pdf [Accessed April 19, 2014]. Read More

 

Read More