Management Methodologies of the Military Sector Compared to the Civilian Sector - Research Paper Example

? Management Methodologies of the Military sector compared to the Civilian sector Management Methodologiesof the Military sector compared to the Civilian sector Introduction The concept of management is always regarded as universal and the principles applied will always remain the same. However, different situations normally call for different approaches in the overall managerial process. The civilian sector is much different from the military sector and the manner of management in these two sectors will always differ despite the main principles of management remaining the same. There are certain principles of management which must be applied both in the military and the civilian sectors in order to enhance management. In the same way, considering the different cultures realized in these two sectors, it is fundamental to note that certain principles applied in the military sector cannot really work in the civilian sector. While discipline and chain of command is highly required in the military sector, it is not really a major concern in the civilian sector. The primary focus of management in all the sectors is basically to create a balance between efficiency and effectiveness. Principles In the civilian sector, the focus is to ensure that the customers are well serviced and satisfied. In this case, the employees must be managed effectively in order to realize this goal. If employees are not satisfied, it is evident that they will not really offer the best services to the customers and this limits efficiency and effectiveness. In the military, the officers must keenly weigh the aspects of effectiveness and efficiency considering that military missions call for high efficiency in operations (Christiansen, 2010). The inverse relationship between effectiveness and efficiency must be understood by the managers in all the sectors. There are four principles of management that cut across both the military and the civilian sectors and should therefore be a focus. Planning Planning is essentially a continual process and includes both short term and long term plans. Goals and objectives are normally set to be achieved within a given timeframe. For instance, the preparation of the budget is a planned process and cuts across both the military and the civilian sectors. Organizations usually have their short term and long term plans which are usually formulated well in advance. In the same way, such plans are common in the military sector. For instance, the Department of Defense has a document called the Five Year Defense Plan (FYDP) which it continuously revises (Higbee, 2010). Organizing A business or a military agency should organize itself into units or departments that are meant to address different concerns within the organization. These divisions are mostly done on the basis of functions, geographical areas, products or customers. It is highly important to ensure that everything is organized in the most effective manner in order to enhance efficiency. Leading The concept of management is essentially a process of conducting roles and duties through people. In this case, a good manager should have the ability to lead people effectively by putting the employees through the best motivational programs and ensuring they give their maximum to the organization. In the military sector, discipline is highly regarded but motivation and managerial effectiveness must always take center stage. The nature of military activities creates the need for the officers to be well motivated. Such motivations are realized through promotions, pay benefits and other forms of recognition. Controlling The aspect of controlling does not actually relate to people. Rather, it is a way of ensuring that the organization actually meets its goals and objectives as set forth in its plans. In this case, progress has to be measured in order to provide information on how any inefficiency can be addressed. In case the goals are not met, then it is important for different approaches to be applied or the goals to be revised altogether. It is important to emphasize that these principles of management link the concepts of management in the military and the civilian sectors. They are basically general principles which managers in any field should always be well acquainted with. Military and civilian cultures The workplace culture in the military and the civilian sectors are slightly different and this creates some difference in the manner in which management methodologies apply in these situations. Discipline is at the core of the military culture and the military normally has greater advantages in terms of training, innovation, communication and other respects. In the same way, the chain of command is strictly adhered to and the lower officers normally act as robots. It should be realized that such an environment is perfect for the military situation considering the nature of the activities they conduct. In civilian organizations, the major focus is placed on individual empowerment and collaboration amongst the employees. Creativity and new management thinking are also highly appreciated in the civilian sector. The sector focuses on institutional knowledge and continuity Different methodologies In the recent past, there have been several concerns on the general management of the military sector. Many people have raised their reservations on how some leaders in the military sector apply the general management styles used in the civilian organizations. In the military, management is about providing leadership, purpose and motivation in combat. The blind use of civilian management methodologies in this sector is viewed to be a wrong approach in managing solders, airmen and sailors (Giegerich, 2012). The use of civilian management techniques might become totally detrimental to the military sector and should therefore be highly curtailed. In civilian management, managers are normally given the latitude to address the different situations as they might come. In this case, a change in leadership styles is normally common without having an impact on the motivation and morale of the employees. However, in the military, such quick decisions cannot be made because every new decision comes with a different set of skills which the solders must be trained and get acquainted with. Any slight mistake in military management can actually lead to very dangerous repercussions. In this case, it is realized that decisions in the context of military management are normally conducted progressively after a thorough analysis. Unlike in the civilian sector, military officers do not really have the latitude to implement new skills without going through a complex chain of command (Dale, 2012). In civilian management, the leaders are not normally expected to simply give orders and directions to their workers. Instead, they are supposed to make judgments and offer suggestions on how the problem can be effectively addressed. Teamwork and collaboration are also highly regarded. In civilian management the credibility and ability of the leaders is strongly brought into focus and the loss of these values in a leader means that the workers cannot effectively obey the directions of their managers. In the military, there are traditional problem solving techniques which are normally applied such as Estimate of the Situation. These techniques are preferred to the use of discussions and team work in decision making. In military management, leaders are also expected to take charge of different complex situations and take full charge in the most unpleasant of situations. All the courses of action are intended to accomplish the mission. The difference in these methodologies is basically a product of the different work situations realized in the military and the civilian sectors. As such, different approaches become necessary (Braithwaite, 2011). It is therefore realized that management in the context of the military and the civilian sectors differ in number of ways. The general principles of management are typically same in all the situations. However, it is realized that the different cultures and environments realized in the military and civilian sectors creates the need for different management methodologies to be applied. In all the cases, decision making remains a fundamental concern and every manager should always have the ability to make decisions in different situations. The managerial challenges seen in these two sectors are also different and every manager should be well prepared to address the situation. References Braithwaite, J. (2011, April 1). Military Traffic Management Command. (Government).. Defense Transportation Journal, Vol.5, No.3. Christiansen, J. A. (2010). Building the innovative organization: management systems that encourage innovation. New York: St. Martin's Press. Dale, E. (2012). Organization. New York: American Management Association. Giegerich, B. (2012). European military crisis management: connecting ambition and reality. London: Routledge. Higbee, D. (2010). Military culture and education. Farnham, Surrey, England: Ashgate. Read More