Internal and External Factors Affecting the Management Function at Bridgestone - Essay Example

Bridgestone’s Management Internal and External Factors Affecting the Management Function at Bridgestone s Introduction This present essay critically analyzes the impact of internal and external factors on the key four functions of management. The factors that will be applied in the critical analysis include globalization, which is an external factor and technology, which is an internal factor. Sheila (2004) described globalization as the fact that different cultures and economic systems around the world are becoming connected and similar to each other because of influence of large multinational companies such as Bridgestone and the influence of communication. Technology is described as the scientific knowledge used in practical ways in industry, for example in designing new machines. The essay will use the Bridgestone Corporation as the case study and according to Qontro Business Profiles (2008); Bridgestone is a Japanese multinational corporation that was established in 1931 and its main specialty is the manufacture of motor vehicle tires. However, the company also deals in other diversified products that include a wide range of industrial products such as conveyor belts, water houses, and polyurethane foam. Other products include Bridgestone branded bicycles, Bridgestone aircraft tire, and an array of golf products. The company has a wide global presence that is supported by more than 140 production facilities that are spread wide across 24 countries. The four management functions will be investigated are planning, organizing, directing, and controlling. Planning In reference to the studies by Daft (2011), he described planning as the as the core function of management and even the foundation of the other three functions of management. In the planning process, Bridgestone’s management diagnose the status or health of the company in line with the planned future goals and objectives of the company, and then devise appropriate action plans that will enable the attainment of these goals and objectives. However, Hersey et al. (2000) stated the planning factor is influenced by both external and internal factors and at times, these factors may be uncontrollable thereby potentially affecting Bridgestone in a positive and/ or negative manner. Daft, R. (2011) stated that the act of realigning a company with these external and internal factors is referred to as strategic planning. During strategic planning, the external factor of globalization always makes Bridgestone’s managers consider the impact of competition from their rivals that include Firestone. Secondly, the issue of globalization ensures that managers of the company make strategic plans that will position the company to strategically compete in the international market and keep in line with international qualities for the all the products that deals with. While planning Bridgestone’s managers consider the technological factor and ensure that their strategic plans are supported, or rely on the latest technology in order to ensure that what they deliver is up to date with technological standards. For example, Bridgestone is revered for using the latest advanced technology in the production process meaning that they consider the technological factor while making organizational plans. Organizing According to Hersey et al. (2000), organizing is the second critical function of the management and it mainly aims at arranging resources in a particular manner in order to implement the plans that were devised in the first stage. Under the function of organizing, Bridgestone’s management determines the internal structure of the organization as well as the distribution resources within the organization. Globalization has influenced the function of organizing at Bridgestone in the sense that managers have to organize not only for the head office, but they have to ensure that organizing is done for all of their branch offices and subsidiaries spread across in various countries. Secondly, while organizing the internal structure of the organization Bridgestone’s managers have to consider the existence of different cultures within their organization, which has been brought about by globalization or the fact that they are a multinational company operating in various countries. In regards to technology, Hersey et al. (2000) stated that technology has affected the way in which the organizing function is carried out nowadays since there are various computer applications that are designed to assist managers of multinational companies such as Bridgestone in carrying out the organizing function, for example the PROPHIX software. Directing Hersey et al. (2000) stated that the third function of management is to direct the workforce as well as other organizational resources in a manner that will lead to the attainment of organizational goals, and this involves assisting the staffs in attaining their own career objectives. According to Daft (2011), directing further involves the application of appropriate leadership styles, and effective communication and motivation styles. Globalization has lead to the emergence of multicultural organizations such as Bridgestone Corporation, which is made up of employees that come from different cultural backgrounds. This therefore, means that while directing managers will be forced to apply an international or multi-cultural approach to motivate and communicate with all of the staff in order to get things done. This is because selective application of Japanese motivation and communication styles may not be effective to all of the staffs who come from different countries and therefore, have different cultural practice. Technology affects the directing function in the sense that there are various technologies, which managers can use to motivate and even communicate with staff. For example, through technology managers can verbally motivate and communicate with the staffs via various means such as telephone conversation, video conferencing, or chatting. Controlling According to Daft (2011), controlling is the fourth management function and it involves setting performance standards that are in line with previously established organizational goals and objectives and then reporting on the actual results that have been achieved by the organization. The management will thereafter compare the set performance standards and the results that have been achieved and if there is, any shortfall or differences the managers will implement corrective measures. Globalization has influenced the controlling function in the sense that Bridgestone’s managers are forced to set performance standards that are internationally recognized in the auto and tire industry, and even apply corrective measures that are internationally applicable in the industry. On the other hand, technology has simplified the controlling function for Bridgestone’s managers because it enables results to be known in real-time and compared with performance standards using computer applications after which once the difference is noted mangers can make quick and accurate decisions on which corrective measures to implement. Conclusion This essay has established that indeed the four key management functions at Bridgestone Corporation are influenced by globalization and technology. Summarily, the essay has established that globalization influences these functions in the sense that it requires them to be undertaken in a universal manner that is internationally accepted both in the management profession as well as in the auto and tire industry. As for technology, it has simplified and made it easy for Bridgestone managers to carry out these four functions. References Daft, R. (2011) Management. (10th edition). U.S: South-Western College Pub Hersey, P. Blanchard, K. and Johnson, D. (2000) Management of Organizational Behavior: Leading Human Resources, (8th Edition). U.S: Prentice Hall Sheila, L. (2004). Globalization and Belonging: The Politics of Identity in a Changing World. U.S: Rowman & Littlefield Qontro Business Profiles (2008). Bridgestone Corporation Business Profile. Qontro Publishers Read More