Innovation and Competitive Advantage - Thesis Example

The companies are facing a great development in the global markets resulted from globalization. Therefore, they are thinking of a new generation of managers, which we call global managers. They have a wide viewpoint of unexpected environmental changes that needs a fast and right decision to make. The old generations of managers don't have this competency. So, they can't adapt with the new environment. (Kanter, 1995,p.149). Amidst all this change, the high ethical standards of an individual, be it a workman on the shop floor or the global manager, matter more now than ever.

The dual ethical standards often maintained by people front-often the exact opposites when it comes of the way they conduct business are counterproductive in the long run. The new authority is emerging and organizations are member led, officer driven, customer focused; a team environment where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts; a flat management structure where employees and managers are learning rather than blame; a clear since of direction and purpose. The six elements of an organization (Strategy, policies, structure, systems Climate, and culture) dynamically affect one another.

Each element interacts with the environment as a business strives towards its goals. The problem definition/action planning process requires that a manager look at all six elements of the organizational model to determine which action levels will exist to implement positive change. If the environment changes, the organizational elements must adapt (Steven 124)Six elements that define organization; Strategy Policies and Procedures Structure Systems Climate Culture1.

1 Organizational strategyNo organization exists in isolation. Every organization exists in an environment where it interacts with, and is influenced by, the general public, specific groups (whether they be customers, clients, suppliers, pressure groups, etc) and/or various government bodies. The organization is also affected by the economic, political, legal, social, technological and international variables of the times. All managers, whether they work in the public or private sector, operate in the same external environment.

They face common pressures that the environment exerts on them. However, the nature of their work and the type of organization they work for will determine how these common environmental factors are perceived - whether they are seen as positive or negative, threats or opportunities. (Yvonne