Organizational Behavior - Research Paper Example

Therefore, only the rich could afford such a luxury. Ford set out to make an affordable car so as to target the middle class population. Also, the car’s flexible suspension system helped it to run better on the bad roads in the U.S at the time. Besides its 20-horse power engine, the car was lighter than most of the previous models. Through these additions, Henry Ford started the journey to change the status of the automobile from that of a luxury to necessity (Dodge & Casey, 2010). Some of Fords greatest achievements in my view are those not afforded due public attention.

Given the difference in the state of pollution that time and now, it is critical to examine environmental saving strategies conscious or otherwise. In 1940, Ford produced a car whose body was plastic, to a large extent. This plastic, made from soy meal whose 50% protein content linked with formaldehyde, was light, and biodegradable. The car only got to prototype stage because of its biodegradable nature (Mooney, 2009). Fordism: Henry Ford receives credit for pioneering and efficiently practicing Fordism ergo making this concept his third most noted achievement.

This idea originally encompassed timely and efficient mass production of vehicle parts. Mass assembly is now applicable to other industries such as pharmaceutical production and food processing. Granted, Ford did not himself invent the conveyor belt system but his contribution stands out among the industrialist who saw this idea through. Mass production of affordable cars changed the American transport system to a considerable extent. Fordism saw Ford increase the wages of his employees by a whooping 50%.

Also, this concept formed the basis for most of the decisions he made for the company. Leadership: Based on the concept of Fordism, Henry ford is a true leader. Field Marshal Slim clearly distinguishes management from leadership. He indicates that leadership encompasses personality and vision in which case he alludes to, people focus, innovation, personal power and influence. People focus: production of inexpensive or affordable goods was part of his consumer employee attitude. He was of the view that the customer’s needs are vital; therefore, he produced affordable cars that met the needs of the customers.

His emphasis on satisfying the customer and the worker rather than gain profits is an excellent instant of people focus. Ford was an idealist to this he relates that this is the only way to get people, referring to his workers, to be prosperous. His view of employees was different given the period. In his opinion, employees were also customers in which case the affordability of the cars enabled them to not only purchase but also market the car. Fords focus on the employee as an asset develops from his opinion of reward and in this case monetary reward.

Through welfare capitalism, Ford was able to abet labour turnover in his industries. He christened this policy, profit sharing (a tactic employed by managers in recent times to motivate employees). He is also among the first employers who successfully applied shift working, thereby, reducing the number of working hours of employees by close to half. Innovation: the trait of innovation stands out in Fords success for instance, in the Model T and subsequent automobiles such as the plastic car. Personal power and influence: Ford gave up his official, executive title early but