Management of change - How organisational structure and culture can Essay

Management of change - How organisational structure and culture can influence the promotion or inhibition of change strategies w - Essay Example As such, the only way to remain competitive is to be able to change strategies in a manner that ensures the company remains competitive. This is particularly important for the engineering organizations that operate in a very competitive environment. Despite the benefits that change brings in an organization, most managers and employees are often resistant to change. Martins and Terblanche (2003, p. 68) noted that most employees and managers fear change and will often resist it. The reasons for resisting change are many, including fear of losing jobs, fear of changing the organization structure, culture, and fear of new responsibilities, just to name but a few. However, the organizational structure and culture has a huge influence on the change strategies that an organization may adopt at any one time. In this regard, the organizational structure and culture can either promote or impede the change strategies within an organization. The aim of this discourse is to explore the extent to which an organizational structure and culture can promote or inhibit change strategies within an organization. Organizational Culture and Change Management Culture plays a crucial role in driving a company to success. Pheysey (1993, p. 9) defines organizational culture as a set of norms and beliefs of an organization. In other words, it refers an organization’s ways of doing things. As earlier stated, organizations operate in a dynamic environment where change is necessary. Today, no company can compete favorably without embracing change, according to West and Farr (1990, p. 5). However, most managers tend to resist change when faced with the pressure of change. This is partly due to the organizational culture. For instance, most managers would try to deal with challenges facing the organization they manage by reverting the company’s traditional ways of doing things. In this regard, whenever a manager is confronted with the pressure for change, the manager will most l ikely try to deal with the situation in suh as way that is in line with the organizations ways of doing things. However, sticking to these cultural nuances impede the management of strategic change. Kotter and Heskett (1992, p. 13) advised that sticking to cultural ways of dealing with pressures of change may not be good for an organization since it inhibits the management of strategic change in an organization. For example, instead of adopting a new strategy of dealing with a situation in an organization, most managers tend to search for what they can understand and manage in terms of the existing paradigm. The adoption of cultural ways of doing things has been reported in the engineering companies where most managers tend to stick to traditional ways of dealing with situations that require change. However, this is dangerous since it inhibits the management of strategic change (Dent and Goldberg 1999, p. 36). For instance, report indicates that when managers are faced with the prob lem of declining performance in the engineering organizations, they have the habit of first seeking ways of improving the implementation of the existing strategy. This may involves actions such as tightening organizational controls. This implies that they only attempt to tighten up their accepted way of operation. However, in case this proves ineffective, then the managers change a strategy, though the change

What is origin of christianity Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

What is origin of christianity - Case Study Example In order to do that, it is important to know what Christianity is. And in order to discover the essence of Christianity, one must first understand its history. This study hopes to discover the origins of Christianity. Its higher goal is to show Christians today what they have in common. Through a review of the history of Christianity, people from various religious denominations to discover the legacy of Christ and understand that this image of Christ is the representation of what we are striving for as species. This study will look at published articles and books detailing the history of Christianity – from its founding to its breakup roughly 500 years ago. It looks at the reformation and the rise of Protestantism in order to appreciate the characteristics of the new Catholic Church and the Anglican. Some materials which will be used for this study includes books and peer-reviewed articles that answers the questions above. Biblical quotes will also be used and compared with historical events so as to provide context and to answer the abovementioned

The Transplant in UK Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Transplant in UK - Essay Example However, when the supply increases, those who supply organs receive less compensation. There is also the risk of contamination of organs that could possibly be Hepatitis B or HIV positive. There are a host transport issues as well. Donor organs must be kept on an ice and used within a short time frame, to be considered optimal transplant material. â€Å"Organs such as kidneys and livers have to be taken and transplanted within 48 hours of death; typically they are transplanted within five hours†. There are several European nations within a 2-3 hour flight to the UK, depending on the location. This type of limitation may be necessary to ensure quality and viability. The time constraint would eliminate possible trade between nations who frequently trade in other industries. For instance, with an 8-9 hour flight from the east coast of the U.S. to London, this would not be viable. In terms of suppliers and transporters, increases in donor organs could translate into increased need for transport services, creating more jobs. It would also require more nurses and support staff to accommodate increases in transplant procedures. This is certain to stimulate growth in the health care industry. However, insurance companies are still hesitant to pay for such procedures. This limits the number of patients who can actually afford to pay the current costs for transplantation. If supply increases, cost to the patient should be reduced, given that there are fewer possible recipients vying for the same kidney.

Comparing the executive branches of Russia and Japan Essay

Comparing the executive branches of Russia and Japan - Essay Example He is appointed by the emperor. He can be a civilian. He leads civilian cabinet. The executive is under the Diet. It is evident that the executive arms of Russian and Japanese government are different. The differences are many, starting with the composition and the heads of these arms. This paper is going to look at these differences. It will also look at the similarities where they occur, for similarities are to be found. This country got its independence in 1919. This is following the tumbling of the Soviet Union. It was formally called Russian Federation under the Soviet Union. In December of 1993, the presidency was included in constitution. This was during the president of the time, Boris Yelstin. The presidency was handed more powers1 . This constitution directed that the president be the head of the state. The formulation of the policies touching on the position of the government in and out of Russia is under his docket. The president is above the three components of the government2 . He is the one who directs the executive and the other two branches. The other is judiciary and the legislative. He is the chief of state. The powers of the president are so much such that his directives can not be tampered with by the parliament. He recommends on the operations of the government. He has the last word in the nomination of the ministers to the cabinet and the structure of the government. ... The resolutions and decrees of the government are at the mercy of the president1. He has the power to nullify these directives. As such, the president heads the executive. The office of the prime minister is simply that of a public officer under the powers of the president. A president is voted for by the citizens2. He goes for a term of four years in the office. He is allowed to be at the same position for two terms. In the constitution, there is no provision for the position of the vice president. In case the presidency falls vacant for any reason (demise, poor health, impeachment or resignation of the incumbent), the prime minister heads the same in an acting capacity. A new election should be conducted in ninety days. There is a board that is formulated to advice the president. It is called the State Council of the State of Russia. Then the president has his support staff. This is the Presidential Administration of Russia.3. It also gives policy support. This body has an additional function of drafting the decrees of the head of state. It coordinates the policy of the government in the agencies. The prime minister is picked by the president4. He is then vetoed by Duma. The latter is the lower house of the parliament. The members are called deputies. He is the leader of government. The president then appoints two first deputies to the prime minister. He does not need consult the prime minister on these appointments. He then appoints several deputy prime ministers. Currently, this country has at least six deputy prime ministers. Under his docket, there are several offices. The first is the cabinet. He is the head of this unit. But the members of the cabinet are picked by the leader of state. The

The Chinese GM Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

The Chinese GM - Essay Example Moreover, the automobile industry spends large amount of money in research and development purposes. Like the modern electric or hybrid cars are the latest creation of the automobile industry (LOC, 2007). A: Background of General Motors General Motors (GM) is a popular automobile company based in America. The company is a giant multinational firm, with its headquarters in Detroit Michigan. The company manufactures and sells vehicles along with vehicle parts. The firm also engages in the trading of financial services. The company is a giant car manufacturer and provides its services in more than 37 countries across the world. Chevrolet, Cadillac, Opel etc ere the various brands under which GM sells its cars. The company employs more than 212000 individuals in the global economy. Right form 1931 to 2007 GM has been awarded as the leading car producer in America (GM, 2013). Wholly owned subsidiary companies sell the cars of GM in most of the economies outside America. However, it should be considered that the company sells its cars in the emerging market of China via joint ventures. The company claims in its vision that by enjoying the source of large financial base, it would offer best cars to its customers and would always provide utility to its partners, employees and shareholders. The cars and trucks manufactured and traded by GM are not only said to be of efficient in quality and cost, but are also fuel economic and safe. It makes sure that its manufactured vehicles are never subjected to recalls in the market. By providing good cars with modern unique designs, the company attempts to build lifelong relations with its customers. This helps the company park potential affluent clients, who tend to repeat their purchases in GM (Creswell, 1998). The company invests large sums of money in research and development purposes. This helps it to make more technologically advanced models of cars and invent new models of vehicles. GM provides long term value in investment s to all its investors. The big business of the company continuously expands in terms of scale and scope, which gives complete confidence to the shareholders to invest in the shares of the company. Moreover, 212000 workers in the company, makes trading in more than 20 time zones in the globe possible, by acquiring the capability to communicate in more than 50 languages (Murphy, 2013). The company makes changes in its business operations according to the external business conditions in the global economy. It is empirically observed that since the last few years, the price of petrol is soaring significantly, moreover the extent of air pollution created by the traditional cars are also increasing rapidly. Since cars and petrol are complementary products, the demand for cars in the current market is falling due to the rise in price of petrol. Taking into consideration all such factors, GM has now started manufacturing electric cars that would run by battery or power. Such cars would not only be sustainable but would also avoid its dependence on petrol (Nieuwenhuis & Wells, 2003). B: Brief History of General Motors In July 13th 1956, China Central Committee along with the active support of Soviet Union established the first automobile manufacturing company in China named as First Automobile Works (FAW). Changchun China

Environmental Fundamentals Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Environmental Fundamentals Paper - Essay Example by physicists through their proficiency in physical laws. Computer scientists, mathematicians and engineers are involved in environmental science through computer modeling and technical innovations. Biomedical expertise contributes by assessing health repercussions of environmental issues, such as disease and pollution. Question Two In the 20th century, scientific and technological advancements contributed largely to the development of industrial societies that used underground resources extensively. This resulted in societies characterized by large-volume production, consumption and waste. However, on the other hand, the resources of the earth are limited, as well as the natural environment’s ability to assimilate the enormous volumes of waste (Carson, 2002). This has given rise to environmental issues globally, ranging widely from acid rain to global warming, tropical rainforests and ozone layer destruction and desertification. Environmentalists have traced all these occurre nces to the increasing human activity facilitated by growth in science and technology. However, the progress of science and technology can also be used to resolve global environmental issues. The same power of science and technology can develop monitoring systems to warn of dangerous levels of pollution or emissions, hence triggering reduction or control measures. Innovations that have positively impacted the environment include the hybrid car and the catalytic converter. Science and technology can, therefore, be both a cause and solution to environmental issues in society today. Question Three The concept of environmental sustainability is important because it addresses ways in which human beings can accomplish a lifestyle that meets their fundamental survival requirements in a manner that can carry on indefinitely without causing harm to the natural ecosystems as well as their biodiversities. As a key topic in environmental studies, sustainability is an example of how policy and e nvironmental science may be used to resolve environmental problems. Historically, unsustainable interactions between people and their environments have been linked to migration, whereby human activity tampers with the ecosystem in a new settlement due to lack of technology or knowledge for sustainable interaction (Carson, 2002). With the ongoing non-sustainable human population explosion, the study of sustainability promotes the problem solving skills and facilitates problem-oriented researches towards a sustainable use of resources. The enormous global human population of over seven billion is rapidly heading towards an unsustainable level in terms of resource utilization, which makes sustainability more than just a study area, but also an economic, social and political tool in community service. Question Four Human intentions towards nature determine how they play their role towards sustainability and conservation. Organic farming, green building and recycling contribute towards s ustaina

A Peoples History of the United States vs the Enduring Vision Essay Example for Free

A Peoples History of the United States vs the Enduring Vision Essay How complete are our textbooks these days? Yes, they may cover Christopher Columbus’s all the way to today’s current events. But just how complete are they? Often books tend to lean a certain direction, and offer perspective from only one point of view; most commonly the views of the victors, dominant country or possibly stories of heroes. What about the other side? Far too often the lesser of the two is left out of the textbooks and out of our minds. There are always two sides to a story, in this case, much of what we read is a mere, â€Å"partial truth†. In the following paragraphs and analysis, assumptions and generalizations we have made about our country and it’s â€Å"heroes† will be examined in an in-depth interpretation of the standard American textbook, The Enduring Vision vs. Howard Zinn’s, A People’s History of the United States, a strongly worded book meant to offer a different point of view, one not of the hero, but of men they truly were. Everyone knows who discovered America, Christopher Columbus, of course! â€Å"In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue† At a very young age we are taught that, but that’s only half the story. According to, The Enduring Vision, â€Å"Religious Fervor led Columbus to dream of carrying Christianity around the globe, but he also hungered for wealth and glory. †(p. 27) Upon discovery, Columbus became very fond of himself, and what he had done. He discovered a land and a people that before his discovery never existed. Because of this, Columbus’s hunger for wealth and glory came to the forefront. The textbook makes no mention of the less publicized portions of his life; it certainly was not carrying Christianity to the world. The book fails to mention, the cruel and inhumane things that were done to the Native American who currently inhabited the â€Å"New World†. Those actions seem to be brushed under the rug, because of the fact that he is an American hero. However, Howard Zinn offers a view from a different perspective. â€Å"†¦They willingly traded everything they owned†¦. They were well built, with good bodies and handsome features†¦They do not bear arms, and do not know them, for I showed them a sword, they took by the edge and cut themselves out of ignorance. They have no iron. Their spears are made of cane†¦. They would make fine servants†¦. With fifty men we could subjugate them all and make them do whatever we want. † (Zinn 17) Columbus’s lust for wealth, power, and domination of the people blinded his view of spreading Christianity. In Columbus’s report back to the royal court in Madrid, Spain, Columbus uses religious talk to convince the court that he was establishing a community, and to establish fame and a reputation back in Spain. In exchange for a little help, Columbus was to bring them, â€Å"as much gold as they need†¦ and as many slaves as they ask. Concluding his report he said, â€Å"Thus the eternal God, our Lord, gives victory to those who follow His was over apparent impossibilities† (Zinn 20) this was not entirely true, his report was exaggerated, however, the court granted him his expanded fleet and men. However, Columbus was not out to colonize the new world, he was looking for his personal gain ; Gold, and slaves. This American â€Å"Hero† isn’t everything the history books and movies make him out to be. Columbus was a liar, cruel, and was out for glory and fame. It’s a sad truth to such an important piece of an American history. As American we would like to believe that Columbus was the man he was made up to be, and definitely not a â€Å"Christ-like† figure. He was much more than an explorer who owned a few slaves; he is a man responsible for the institution of slavery and the murder of many, many Native Americans. Another well-known figure in history has a distorted past, he happens to be one of our most respected presidents; Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson is perhaps most known for his hand in writing the Declaration of Independence. Although Jefferson was a major player in gaining our country’s independence from England; he wasn’t much for granting independence to a certain group of people in America. Although, it is noted that Jefferson had a personal distaste for slavery, that did not stop him from owning slaves, hundreds of slaves until the day he died. Jefferson even slipped a portion his views into the Declaration of Independence. It is a very common cliche phrase that is known by many, in which he lists property, in a list of â€Å"unalienable† rights. That among these are Life, Liberty, and property† However, Congress didn’t approve, and instead, they chose, â€Å"Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness†. Slaves were often referred to as property at that time, not human beings, but property, as if they were a possession. So, who really was Jefferson, was he a noble president, who still today remains a prominent figure in the history of the United States? Or was he just like everyone else, a slave owner, and didn’t truly believe that â€Å"All men are created equal†? Personally, I believe that Jefferson was a product of the time period. Being a slave owner was common; he was in line with what wealthy plantation owners. He may have believed that slavery was not a moral institution, but that doesn’t require him to being an abolitionist. According to Zinn, Jefferson’s paragraph was removed because, â€Å"slaveholders themselves with the desirability of ending the slave trade. †(Zinn 77) Thomas Jefferson was an extremely intelligent man, and I believe he wrote that, with the foresight of the country in mind. He knew that it should not be a part of America going forward, however, at the time; it was a part of life. In addition to that, Jefferson needed to keep his popularity high, and by ending the slave-trade, Jefferson would lose many of his supporters. For this I believe that in this case Zinn may be bias, he goes after every flaw in people we look up to, and we simply cannot expect them to be perfect. Yes, they may have made some mistake and at times be hypocritical, but everyone is guilty of that at some time in their life, especially at a time where presidents where selected on what they had done in battle, not in politics. The next difference comes in the form of another president. Andrew Jackson, the face of our twenty dollar bill. According to the textbook, â€Å"Jackson’s victory over the British at the Battle of New Orleans made him a national hero, and southerners admired him as a Tennessee slaveholder, a renowned Indian fighter, and an advocate of Indian removal† 216). Many American regarded Jackson as a â€Å"Living link to a more virtuous past. † Upon, gaining the presidency, one of Jackson’s first moves was to remove all the members of upper ranking officeholders†¦of the rival party. It was not well received by many; they began calling it the â€Å"spoils system†. He defended his actions by conveying that it was on the basis of Democracy; so that more people could work for the government. Jackson often gave jobs to family members or friends before giving the public their fair shake. Jackson was also willing to give jobs to people who weren’t qualified, because he knew them. This wasn’t the only thing that Jackson took heat for; his â€Å"morals† got him into more trouble. Jackson was easily bribed, and used deception as well as force to get what he wanted. Whether it was land or gold, Jackson was willing to use his power as president for his gain. Zinn 128) Zinn, points out the fact that this will never be printed in a text book, as Jackson is a face of this country. â€Å"If you look through high school textbooks and elementary school text books in American history you will find Jackson the frontiersman, soldier, democrat, man of the people-not Jackson the slaveholder, land speculator, executioner of dissident soldiers, exterminator of the Indians. †(Zinn 125) Strong and harsh words for a man, especially a president nonetheless. As we have seen in this and past examples, that Zinn emphasizes the other side of the story, the one you don’t hear about. Unfortunately, these are stories that everyone should know. Zinn, places an emphasis on teaching what the textbooks don’t, the textbooks focus on the spoils and fame of the individual. Howard Zinn provides an alternative view that sheds light on the morals of these men, which are not well publicized. Abraham Lincoln, the savior of the Union, often considered to be one of the best if not the best presidents in the history of the United States. However, this is one of the rare instances in which Zinn agrees with the textbook. For once, Zinn focuses on the results, rather the character. Lincoln didn’t believe that the African-Americans were his equal, but he did believe they had the rights of a human being; no human should be subject to being owned by another. However, Lincoln’s main priority was to preserve the Union, and to unite the States of America. The fact that Zinn agrees with the textbook in their positive view of Lincoln, shows the Zinn is not out to attack our great American Heroes. However, Zinn simply wishes for the other side of the story to be told, after all, all this stuff should be taught. Teaching as if this never happened, is like teaching addition without subtraction. Finally, we conclude with yet another president; our first President of the United States, George Washington: The fearless and ambitious leader that America looked to, to become our first president and lead the country in a positive direction. The Enduring Vision says it well, â€Å"American Victory depended on the ability of one man to keep his army fighting despite defeat† (120) Washington’s record in battle was poor, he lost more times than he won. However, the important part was that the people followed him. George was exceptionally tall for this time, so people naturally looked to him to lead them-despite losing. However, Washington was a slaveholder himself. Although, he did free them before he died. During the Revolutionary war, Washington did turn down a request of black slaves to fight in the army. (Zinn 83) Despite, his downfall, George Washington was an honorable man, who was the perfect choice for first President of the United States. Zinn tends to tarnish Washington’s reputation, with some of the things he chooses to publish; he gives Washington little credit for his accomplishments. In fact, I believe that Washington’s failures is what makes him such an insightful historical figure, failure spurred his ambition for bigger and better things. In conclusion, I have determined that much of what is printed is only partial truth. Thanks to Howard Zinn, people can explore the character that shaped out country. Although Zinn may seem to attack these men, he is simply pointing out that they weren’t the men they are made out to be in modern day history books and films. After reading, A People’s History of the United States, I am very pleased that someone decided that the truth must be told; even though it is not always what we want to hear.