Role of Operations Network in Success of Organizations - Essay Example

OPERATIONS NETWORK ARE INCREASINGLY BEING SEEN AS PLAYING A VITAL ROLE IN SUCCESS OF ORGANIZATIONS     By     Location Date Operations network are increasingly being seen as playing a vital role in success of organizations. Discuss Networking is the way to go for a modern manager today. Failing to network will amount to planning to fail in the management function and will remain stuck in middle management (Ibarra 2007, p.1). That is how important networking is today; every manager needs to plan on networking to succeed in business. Operational networking is creating a good working relationship with relevant people needed to accomplish a job. Operational network involves people from within and outside the organizations, including the provision of direct reports by employees and superiors, peer support for the project, suppliers, distributors and customers. The major objective of operational networks is to ensure coordination and cooperation among people who have to trust and know each other for work to be accomplished (Ibarra & Hunter 2007, p. 3). The task of networking is not always that attractive due to the diversity of people and their culture; but the outcome is worth the trouble. Through networking, the goals of the organization are well shared with relevant players to ensure a shared vision leading to success in various projects. The purpose of this network is to ensure work is done and done well through identifying individuals who can block or support a project (Carpenter, Bauer, & Erdogan 2010 p. 9.4). Operational networking ensures those involved in a project develop experience in project management (Tan & Mathew 2009, p.199). Project management is a skill that needs to be learnt practically. When operational networking occurs, those involved in the success of the project are well incorporated in the operations to ensure success of the project. Through their participation, they learn several skills in project management leading to formation of a team of well informed employees. Employee knowledge of project management reduces overdependence on one expert for project management. Overdependence on an individual on project management can lead to paralysis of the work when the individual is absent. Support of employees in digitizing the system in the organization is very important. Resistance to change can paralyze work in an organization (Murray, Murray, Poole, & Jones 2006, p.370). People have various reasons to resist change which when not communicated, can never be acted upon (Shyni & Thattil 2005, p.125). Management needs to communicate the importance of change and deal with the actual causes of resistance to be able to succeed in leading the organization (Hellriegel, & Slocum 2007, p.453). Thus, managers need to continuously connect with employees and other stake holders to see the success of operations through embracing change. Reasons for resistance need to be listened to and worked upon after meaningful discussion to ensure success of the organization. One of the most important resources in an organization is the human resource. Without a sound human resource, chances of the organization succeeding are very slim. At the same time, human resource management is not all about having employees around to follow orders; it should ensure the employees share the vision and mission of the organization. The command and control kind of management is not only expensive but also inhibits innovation and creativity necessary for success of business operations (Farmer 2008, p.9). According to Kleindorfer & Wind 2009, (p.335), networking boosts efficiency and productivity through encouraging information sharing, pooling talents to the firm while increasing employee commitment to the firm. For managers to be successful in fully managing the human resource, connecting with the employee’s network groups is very important. Network groups give employees a sense of belonging especially for the minority groups thus giving the employees confidence at work (Daft 2010, p.365). Greater efficiency and career development can be achieved through the groups. The informal employee networks are important tool for managers as they provide information about the employees’ views and concerns through the network leaders. Through the network leaders, managers are also able to influence the employees positively and give them a clearer picture of the organization to aid in the achievement of organizational goals and objectives (Daft 2007). The ability of managers to interact with employees and have the ability to communicate negative feedback forms part of networking (Georgia 2001, p.52). it is through networking that managers are able to create a positive working relationship with employees and understand each of their personal characters. Communication is important for the success of a firm especially when issuing duties and responsibilities to employees and follow up in the process. Through having a good working relationship with employees, managers are able to get feedback on business operations thus monitoring internal operations. According to Cohen, Eimicke and Heikkila 2008, most of the information that mangers get is communicated informally by employees and other stakeholders. Operational networking will see employees pass relevant information to the manager for action. Networking with suppliers is important for constant and reliable supply of raw material and other supporting products and services. Suppliers are a source of four basic information; basic technology, new product development, product process and market knowledge (Lehna & Bredl 2010, p.118). Market knowledge is a goal that every firm would like to know to be able to serve the market effectively. Market information is more important when there are new products in the market and production process that cut on cost and maximize output (Gadde, HåKansson & Persson 2010, p.123). Both the firm and the suppliers benefit from the mutual relationship of networking. A well structured and networked business succeeds without receiving any help from powerful influential individuals. Firms involved in production of goods depend heavily on suppliers of raw material for continuity of business (ÖSterle, Fleisch, & Alt 2001, p.111). Creating a good relationship becomes more important to the firm when the industry is facing shortage of supplies. Networking with suppliers will see the firm receive first priority in supplies and even receive supplies on credit to be paid within a stipulated period. A manager who creates a good relationship with suppliers creates a future for the firm under his/ her control. Referrals from suppliers will see the firm’s access to loan facilities increase due to the testimonials. Customers are part of the operational network since they are the actual consumers of the firm’s products. Most successful entrepreneurs create a lasting relationship with customers through networking (Hochwald 2011, p.1; Thomas, 2013, p 68).asking customers questions on their expectation of the product is helpful in creating a customer oriented product. A good product by itself is not enough to generate revenue, each firm needs customers to purchase their products for them to generate revenue. Networking is not about which customer you know, but which customer knows you (Strategic business network 2011, p.1). The more the customers know you the more sales the firm is likely to make. Customers feel more appreciated when top management interacts with them (Rogers 2013, p. 201). the way to win a customer’s attention is have a forum where customers occasionally can communicate directly with the manager. Product description by the customer gives a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the product in the market. Developing a personal touch of the firm will help boost relation with customers even as managers strive to succeed in their role (Zack 2010, p.106). Personal branding of the firm on top of the actual firm’s branding is relevant in improving the firm’s image in the public domain. Customers need to know the content of what they are consuming and the conditions under which the product is produced. Frequent communication to address such issues and many more concerns from the customers are vital for success of the business. Managers need to leave their offices and go out to the customers to connect with them. The traditional system where managers were totally not accessible especially by customers needs to be dropped. Research has shown that firms putting emphasis on networking are experiencing growth while those not taking networking seriously are not experiencing any growth (Fayolle 2007, p.223). Growth of a firm is manifested through increase in revenue over time. The main objectives of firms is to make profit, therefore networking is a way to ensure success in the main objective. Bibliography Sehgal, M, K, & Khetarpal, V, 2006, Business communication, New Delhi, Excel Books. Kavita Singh, 2005, Organizational change and development, [S.l.], Excel Books. Li, E, Y,-Z, 2013, Organizations and social networking,utilizing social media to engage consumers. Thomas, S, 2014, Business networking for dummies. Gadde, l,-E, Håkansson, H, & Persson, G, 2010, Supply network strategies, Chichester, Wiley. 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