Organizational Structure Article Review

Review

The purpose of this paper is to briefly summarize the article, "The manager's role in building an innovative organization". I will give a brief description of the organizing function of management. I will also relate the concepts to Aearo Company, while including my recommendations based on the article.

Summary

The article discusses how organizations must change to survive in a competitive market. Companies must change how they gather information, implement the information, and support the employees that acquire the information.

Gathering Information

Management should use their employee's ideas as a resource, not only because it is less expensive than outside information, but also it supports employee involvement. Using teams that include people from different divisions can increase communication and perception when pursuing a goal.

Implement Information

An organization that can make decisions faster, and change direction at the "drop of a hat", is more versatile and will most likely survive longer. "Old time" decisions that were made by top management or a board of directors, could take a while to trickle down the ranks and actually be implemented in the process. Teams that are given the authority to make quick decisions can get things done faster, and are more responsive to the customer.

Support the Employees

Structure 3

An organization's culture is vital to the success of any change or structure. It is a manager's duty to create, support and strengthen the environment of a workplace. If the people are not susceptible to change, then a new idea will be very difficult to implement. Employees need to own some portion of the new idea, whether it is the layout, financing, time-line, etc.

Organizing Function of Management

When an organization makes a plan of action it needs to include the proper tools to help accomplish their goal. The management needs to consider things such as:

1.) Employee scheduling

2.) Equipment needs

3.) Consumable needs

4.) Work space

5.) Training

If these items are kept organized through time lines, inventory lists, schedules and documentation, the process will go much smoother. The items listed above are just a few of the things that a company should keep organized. Time spent looking for something that should be easily accessible is wasted.

Related Concepts

In reading the article, it keeps reiterating the subject of an organization's culture. I do not believe Aearo Company has identified its culture. I understand Aearo to be a leader in their market. To remain the leader they must develop an innovative style of organization. Buhler (2002) says, "To build an innovative organization, care must be taken to ensure that the culture of the firm supports this type of organization." (para. 9). For example, there are a few people in

Structure