Discussion Questions Week one - Essay Example

Running Head: Strategic Management Strategic Management Strategic Management Strategic Management 2 Strategic Management is the highestlevel activity of any management process. Normally the top management team led by the Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the development of strategic management of each organization. This paper briefly analyzes the difference between strategic management and other forms of management, participatory management and single management and importance of strategic management.

IntroductionStrategic management as the name suggests, is the process of making successful strategies for the growth of an organization. Without strategies no organization can function effectively. The trends in business or service sectors are changing in the current era of Globalization, Liberalization and Privatization. So it is essential for organizations to re-evaluate their strategies and do necessary modifications if required. The strategic management process include three stages; strategy formulation, implementation and evaluation.

Difference between strategic management and other forms of managementStrategic management always concentrates on the strategies of the organization. It is the duty of the other streams of management to successfully implement the strategies which is formulated by the top management. For example, if the top management locates any discrepancies in the marketing function of the organization, then they will definitely suggest some different strategies for the effective marketing. But Strategic Management 3it is the duty of the marketing team to implement the strategies successfully.

Strategic management is the brain of an organization. It controls all other functions of the organization. Like nerves send information to brain and receive instruction from brain, all other management segments of the organization send information to the strategic management team and receive instructions from them. Participatory management and single management“Participatory management means that staff, not only the designated managers, have input and influence over the decisions that affect the organization.

It is not the same as communal or co-operative management, where every staff member has the same weight in the decision making process.” (Phil Bartle, PhD, 2008) Participatory management often helps organizations solving difficult problems because of the collective efforts involved in the process. I know the story of an illiterate worker who guided his manager in an unfamiliar situation. Though the participatory management has its own merits decision making may not be that much easy and quick like in the case where a single person taking decisions.

Because of difference in opinion in participatory management, all the issues related to the problem discussed and then arrive at a proper solution. Though the solution may be the most appropriate one, it may take more time to arrive at a decision. In some cases quick decisions are required. Participatory management may fail in such circumstances. In such cases individual management is more advisable considering the nature of the problem. Strategic Management 4Participatory management never avoids the contributions of individual management.

If the actions of the individual evaluated as appropriate, then such actions may not be criticized by the participatory management team. It is just like a driver applies a sudden break when he sees dangers in front. He may not get enough time to warn the passengers or taking advice from them. His first preference may be to avoid the big danger in front though his action may cause minor injuries to his passengers. Same way if the participatory management team feels that the individual has no other option, then such actions will be valued and appreciated.

Importance of strategic managementIt is necessary to know the fundamentals of strategic management even though you are not a member of the decision making body. The actions of the top management may not be understandable for an employee who doesn’t have any basic idea about strategic management. Complete awareness about the organization strategies will help an employee in functioning more effectively.ConclusionStrategic management is one of the important segments of different managerial functions of an organization.

It works as the brain of an industry. Participatory management never rejects the contributions of individual management. It is important to know the strategies of the organization well, to function effectively as an employee. Strategic Management 5References1. Phil Bartle, PhD, 2008, PARTICIPATORY MANAGEMENT, Retrieved on 21/1/09