Strategy as Practice and Leadership - Case Study Example

Strategy as practice and leadership Table of Contents Introduction 3 Discussion 4 Identify the key areas that may change today’s novelty is tomorrow’s norm 4 Application of the theory of communities of practice and Knowledge Management 7 Analysis 9 Findings 11 Creativity of thought 11 Conclusion 12 References 14 Introduction In this age, competitiveness and position is the prime desire of any organizational entrepreneur or an individual employee as well. However, in order to enhance the level of competitive advantage of any firm or an individual, the most essential requirement is learning or educational trainings programs. This is because; it is the learning or educational training programs that helping the employees to amplify their inner skills and talents that may increase their efficiency and performance. However, due to the improvement of the level of skills and performance, the total productivity and profitability of the organization might get enhanced to a significant extent as compared to many other rival players. Other than this, learning or educational training programs acts as the raw materials that might be used to enhance the inner knowledge and skills of the employees that may prove effective in improving the intangible assets of the organization such as customer loyalty, brand image, reputation and reliability etc. However, such type of intangible assets might amplify the prosperity and distinctiveness of the organization in the market among many other rival players. Hence, it might be clearly depicted that in order to enhance the reputation and popularity of the organization in future era, the entrepreneur might try to offer high concentration over training programs or learning processes of the employees. So, most of the organization in this age, try to implement numerous work-shops or training programs to enhance the inner talents and capabilities of the employees. As employees are considered as the most important assets of an organization without which it may not prosper in the market among others existing players of the market. The objective of this essay is to analyze the effectiveness and importance of learning in future development of the organization so as to amplify its prosperity in the market. Along with this, the importance of soft systems thinking (SST) in developing the organizational intellectual capital. Discussion Identify the key areas that may change today’s novelty is tomorrow’s norm As per Beardwell & Claydon (2010), learning is the weapon that might be used to improve the innovation of today into practice of the future era. However, it might be possible only by offering high concentration and value to the procedure of learning. This is because; it’s the process that may be used to amplify the inner knowledge and skill of the employees so as to increase the future prospects of the individual. Moreover, the process of learning is extremely essential to improve the human capital of the organization i.e. the talents and abilities of the employees. That talent and capability might be used to develop varied types of inventive products and services for the organization so as to satisfy the changing requirements of the customers. Only then, the level of reliability and loyalty of the customers might get enhanced resulting in amplification of the brand value and morality of the organization in the market among many other rival players (Brown, 2007, pp. 772-787). By doing so, the organization might become able to amplify its dominance and position in the market that may increase its reliability. Other than this, the total performance and productivity of the organization might be enhanced with the help of knowledge management process (KM). This is also another popular process of learning or capturing knowledge so as to improve the effectiveness of the individual employees as well as the organization (Rastogi, 2002, pp. 223-234). Moreover, the process of KM might prove effective in amplifying the motivation and devotion of the employees towards their assigned tasks that may increase their performance and efficiency. However, due to the improvement of the performance, the dependency and reliability of the organization might get enhanced thereby reducing the future threats as presented below. But the process of KM might be possible only if, the entrepreneur supports active participation of the employees in their decision-making processes (Presley & Meade, 2002, pp. 245-256). (Source: Rastogi, 2002) For example: in the organization of Apple Inc, the CEO, Mr. Steve Jobs, always tries to present his feelings and desires in front of the employees so as to attain their suggestions. Just like, after viewing the profitability and reliability of its competing brand, Samsung, among the target customers, it decided to offer more attention over research and development department. The prime reason for doing so is to amplify the brand image and customer loyalty within the minds of the customers thereby amplifying its sustainability in the market among others. Other than this, Mr. Steve Jobs always tried to get involved within the activities of the employees of Apple Inc in order to amplify their motivation and confidence. By doing so, the level of knowledge and talents of the employees get enhanced through effective communication process that amplifies their interpersonal relationships. Moreover, due to improvement in the interpersonal relationships, the level of retention of the employees enhanced to a significant extent (Apple Inc, 2014). However, due to improvement of the retention rate of the employees, the process of innovation increases that amplifies the productivity of the organization of Apple Inc in the market among others. Just as, introduction of Mac-book Air or I-phone proved extremely effective for the organization of Apple Inc thereby amplifying its profit margin and total revenue that may improve its competitive advantage and position in the market. However, in order to make such inventions effective in nature, the leader or manager of the organization need to be extremely experienced and tactical in nature, just as Steve Jobs of Apple Inc. So that, he or she might fascinate the employees towards the common goal or objective of the organization thereby amplifying the brand image of the organization in the market among its rival contenders. Hence, it might be depicted that the process of knowledge management or learning might prove effective in nature only if the leader or the manager comprises of high knowledge and thinking power. Only then, he or she might easily get intermingled with the other employees of the organization and may improve the effectiveness of the employees. However, due to improvement of the inner skills and performance, the overall productivity and growth of the organization might get amplified in the market (Bolton & Houlihan, 2007, pp. 656-676). Moreover, due to improvement of the overall productivity, the upcoming threats and weaknesses of the organization like Apple Inc might get reduced that may increase its portfolio and uniqueness in the market. This might also improve the opportunities and strengths of the organization that may amplify its dominance and position among others. Improvement of the brand image and reputation is extremely essential for an organization in this age, so as to enhance its sustainability and equity among the other existing players and new entrants. The similar scenario is viewed in case of Apple Inc. In spite of numerous existing rival players, the organization of Apple Inc became successful in retaining its image as the market leader in the segment of customer electronics, software and hardware. Due to which, it’s almost impossible for any new entrant or existing players such as HP, Samsung, Sony etc to increase its market share and reputation in the market rather than the Apple Inc. Therefore, it might be clearly stated that, constant process of learning or KM is extremely essential for the enhancing the demand of the products lines of the organization, within the minds of the customers. In addition, KM policies and strategies also prove effective in enhancing the human resource practices of the organization that may amplify its prosperity and portfolio in the market (Blyton & Turnbull, 2004, pp. 623-634). Not only this, KM as well as cooperation of intellectual capital enhances the rate of social capital i.e. the mutual relationship among the employees of the organization might get increased to a considerable extent as presented below: (Source: Rastogi, 2002) Thus, learning process acts as one of the most important medium to increase the human capital, organizational capital and information system of an organization. Hence, it is the process of learning that improves the working culture and interpersonal relationships among the employees that directly fosters the brand image and popularity of the organization in the market. Application of the theory of communities of practice and Knowledge Management In this age, cooperation is the prime essence of success of an organization as stated by Kurzynski (2009). This is because; it is the cooperation among the employees that enhances the inner skills and talents of the employees through mutual conversation or communication. Due to which, the rate of commitment and dedication of the employees of the organization enhances to a considerable extent thereby amplifying its portfolio in the market (Blake & et.al. 2011, pp. 356-367). However, it might be possible only by inventing varied types of innovative products or services that may easily satisfy the changing requirements of the customers of this recent era (Kurzynski, 2009, pp. 332-343). By doing so, the trust and reliability of the target customers might get enhanced resulting in amplification of the brand value and market share of the organization. But it might be possible only if the organizational management becomes successful in retaining the experienced and talented staffs within the organization. Only then, with active coordination and support of the experienced staffs, the inner capabilities and talents of the junior employees might get amplified thereby increasing its portfolio of the organization (Blyton & et.al. 2011, pp. 567-578). Similar situation might be observed within the organization of Tesco Plc. The CEO of the organization, Mr. Philip Clarke is extremely planned and calculative person as well as helpful too. Due to which, he became successful in encouraging all other employees of the organization towards their assigned tasks that amplified their performance and devotion. As a result, their quality of work enhanced that improved the brand value and profit margin of the organization of Tesco Plc in the market among others. In addition, active cooperative among the employees also helps in enhancement of their inter-personal relationships thereby reducing the rate of strikes and lock outs (Davidson & et. al. 2011, pp. 912-923). Moreover, due to effective interpersonal relationships, the working environment of the organization also gets improved that may increase its competitive advantage and position in the market among others. Hence, it might be stated that active cooperation is the most important tool that may increase the retention of the employees as well as growth of the organization (Davidson & et. al. 2011, pp. 523-534). Other than this, with the help of proper coordination, the level of inner skills and capabilities of the employees of an organization might also get enhanced (Beardwell & Claydon, 2010, pp. 267-278). However, due to improvement of capability and knowledge of the employees, the organization might become successful in developing varied types of inventive products and services. This strategy might prove effective for the organization to amplify its prosperity and effectiveness in the market among others. For example: introduction of inventive customer services such as assistance to the customers at the time of buying so as to increase their dependency over the product lines. Along with this, presentation of varied types of discount services to its customers also helped the organization of Tesco Plc to amplify its uniqueness in the market. Furthermore, Apple Inc became successful in introducing numerous product lines such as Ipod, Ipad etc so as to attract more customers such as teenagers, kids, adults etc towards the brand. This is done, in order to amplify the productivity and brand image in the market among other competitors such as IBM, HP, and Samsung etc. Moreover, introduction of numerous product lines by Apple Inc is possible only due to active participation and coordination of the employees that proved effective for the organization in increasing its equity and position in the market. Thus, due to reduction in the level of attrition of the employees the prosperity and economic status of the organization also gets enhanced significantly (Claydon, 2003, pp. 167-178). Hence, it might be stated that cooperation and knowledge management is the most essential tools that may amplify the brand image and productivity of the organization in the market among many other rival players. Analysis In order to amplify the competitive advantage and sustainability of the organization, active coordination of the employees and support of the employer is extremely essential. This might be possible, only by implementing varied types of training programs through soft systems in order to improve the inner skills and talents (Jacobs, 2002, pp. 423-434). By doing so, the organization might become successful in developing numerous inventive products along with advanced technologies so as to increase the loyalty and trust of the customers. Other than this, due to improvement of the reliability of the customers, the rate of switchover costs of the customers also gets reduced significantly that may prove effective for the organization in long run (Reisman & Oral, 2005, pp. 164-178). In addition, due to the effective support of the employers and employees, varied types of suggestions might be presented to the management. Along with this, the employers might analyze the inner desires and requirements of the employees and might act accordingly. This might help in improvement of the inner skills and confidence of the employees thereby amplifying their dedication and commitment power (Edvinsson, n. d.). As a result, the goals and objectives of the organization might get fulfilled that may also increase the career objectives of the employees in long run. Due to which, the inner morale and motivation of the employees might get enhanced resulting in amplification of the organizational output and profitability (Collings & Wood, 2009, pp. 190-213). Thus, it might be depicted that sharing of knowledge among the employees of the organization in an effective way is the only desired technique that may amplify their performance or effectiveness (Dasgupta & Gupta, 2009, pp. 445-456). For example: it is the sharing of knowledge and active participation of Steve Jobs, that amplified the position and competitiveness of the organization of Apple Inc in this aggressive market among others. Other than this, it is the inventive product lines and extensive research and development that enhanced the range of customer bases and reliability of the brand in the market. Moreover, due to the introduction of varied types of advanced technologies such as operating software proved extremely effective for the organization of Apple Inc in enhancing its profitability and market share as compared to HP and Microsoft. Along with this, the extensive thinking capability of Steve Jobs also proved effective for the organization of Apple Inc. Due to his decision, the retail outlets or stores are opened in varied places so as to resolve the queries and problems of the customers. This strategic move enhanced the reliability and consistency of the customers over the product lines or the brand that enhanced its distinctiveness in the market among other competing brands. Hence, it might be clearly revealed that along with active support of the employees, extensive thinking capability is also extremely essential for the growth and prosperity of an organization in this age (Apple Inc, 2014). Findings Creativity of thought After analyzing and evaluating all the above mentioned points and information, it might be depicted that, learning is the considered as the most essential asset of an individual. This is because; it is through learning, by which an individual might amplify his or her inner talents and capabilities. However, it is a continuous process that helps an employee to develop numerous products as per the changing requirements of the customers. But in order to develop advanced product lines, active coordination and mutual participation of the employees is extremely essential (Sims, 2010, pp. 123-134). Otherwise, it may not be possible for the organization to retain its existing customers and attract the new customers towards its brands or product lines. Therefore, it might be stated that, constant effort and research and development might prove worthy for the organization in enhancing its market value and competitive advantage in the market among other rival players (Coyle-Shapiro & et. al. 2004, pp. 812-823). However, in order to improve the intellectual assets such as organizational practices, HR policies and strategies as well as motive of innovation, extreme participation and training is essential. Along with this, extremely experienced and talented leader is also necessary to motivate the employees towards the desired objectives or goals of the organization. This might help in enhancement of the financial income and total revenue of the organization that may amplify its status and popularity. Hence, development of the intellectual capital of the organization is entirely dependent over the employee and employer participation and relationship. Along with this, high concentration over the concept of learning is also extremely necessary for the up-liftment and growth of an organization in this age among other rival contenders (Choong, 2008, pp. 256-267). Keeping this concept in mind, maximum extent of the organizations such as Apple Inc, Tesco Plc tries to offer high attention over the training programs in order to enhance the skills and talents of its employees. Thus, the concept of implementation of training programs acts as the catalyst in amplifying the performance of the organization in the market. Conclusion Conclusively, it might be depicted that prosperity and sustainability might be attained only through active participation and coordination of the employees. Only then, the productivity and profitability of the organization might get enhanced resulting in amplification of its brand value and market share. However, in order to do, proper working culture needs to be implemented within the organization so as to amplify its retention scope. Only then, the organization might become successful in developing varied types of inventive products and services so as to satisfy the changing requirements of the customers. This might prove effective in amplifying the reliability and individuality of the customers thereby enhancing its prosperity in the market. Moreover, due to improvement of the product lines, the total revenues of the organization might get enhanced to a significant extent among many other rival contenders. Other than this, effective training programs needs to be implemented within the organization so as to amplify the inner skills and abilities. Such types of learning skills might prove effective in generating new ideas and suggestions for the organizational up-liftment and growth. Apart from this, such type of inventive ideas might prove effective in amplifying the organizational culture, technologies, techniques, human resource policies, strategies etc. Hence, it might be stated that learning is the most important weapon that may amplify the brand effectiveness and demand of the product lines. This might increase the profit margin and total sales of the products as compared to many other rival players of the market. So, learning is considered as the most important and effective medium that leads to enhancement of the brand value and reputation of the organization. References Adair, J. 2010. Effective Motivation: How to Get the Best Results From Everyone. New York: Cengage Learning. Beardwell, .J. & Claydon, T. 2010. Human Resource Management. London: Sage. Blake, S. & et.al. 2011. 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