Transactional Variables of United Parcel Service - Essay Example

For this section, this particular organization diagnosis model will be applied in the case of the United Parcel Service (UPS) in terms of identifying the key transformation or throughput processes before discussing the relationship between them. In the process of discussing the interrelationship between the identified throughput variables, whether or not they fit together or work towards opposite ends will be discussed. Since Burke-Litwin is a very complicated model, the analysis made in this study will be limited to transactional variables identified in the article entitled “A Casual Model of Organizational Performance and Change” by Burke and Litwin. Prior to the conclusion, the main cause of each identified organizational problem will be discussed.

As a company, UPS management functions based on the implemented business processes and procedures including its organizational hierarchy (UPS Pressroom a). Since UPS is a global company that provides the public with package delivery services to as many as 200 countries and territories all over the world (UPS), UPS management is composed of 11 major business positions which are headed by D. Scott Davis – the Chairman and CEO of the company (UPS b).

The main task of UPS employees is to ensure that the company is able to deliver millions of packages around the world each day. Since UPS employees are highly dependent on the use of information and communication technology (ICT), each employee is expected to be knowledgeable about the use of modern communication equipment which includes UPS's official website and the use of handheld Delivery Information Acquisition Devices (DIAD) (UPS c). Basically, the use of these electronic gadgets will make it easier on the part of each employee to manage, operate, and keep track of its daily business transactions such as the shipment and delivery schedules around the world on a real-time basis.

Given that the main task of UPS employees is very complex in nature, managers are responsible for ensuring that each employee is highly motivated to deliver fast and reliable customer service at all times.

To effectively develop management practices that will enable them to attain the organizational goal, managers should focus on developing a good work unit climate and establish work motivational schemes aside from analyzing and measuring individual and organizational performance (Burke and Litwin).

Work unit climate is generally affected by organizational culture, employees’ perceptions, and/or both. (Burke and Litwin) The organizational culture at UPS has been designed suitable for the work values of Generation Y employees (Hill; UPS Pressroom a). This was intentionally implemented to ensure that the company will be able to easily attract and hold on with competitive next-generation employees.

UPS’ organizational culture is known for its ability to effectively promote the importance of work diversity (Hill). For this reason, all employees regardless of their hierarchy position at work are being called on a first-name basis.

To encourage employees to perform well at work, the company has also been practicing a ‘promote-from-within’ philosophy which includes rotating employees around UPS’ global business units (UPS Pressroom a). This particular business practice enables each employee to continuously learn from working with UPS.