Chapter 3 & 4 Individual Homework PDF

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Chapter 3: Company StructureLead-inWhich department- production, finance, accounting, marketing, sales, human resources, etc.- of an organization do you think is the most interesting to work in? For me, I would like to work in the production department since that is where the heart of the company is...

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Chapter 3: Company Structure Lead-in Which department- production, finance, accounting, marketing, sales, human resources, etc.- of an organization do you think is the most interesting to work in? For me, I would like to work in the production department since that is where the heart of the company is. The company is what it produces (might be a product, service, etc). In every company there would be departments that are very similar, but in the production floor, you will know the company’s identity. What reasons can you think of for why departments get into conflict with each other? The only reasons I see would be the lack of communication within. Conflicts usually start when there is no transparency, this most of the time leads to miscommunication. Is it better to have one immediate boss or to work for more than one manager? I think it would be better to just be supervised by one superior. This would reduce the chance of conflict between the bosses and the chain of command would be more simple. Do you prefer to work alone or in a team? It varies. For me, I usually work alone since I don’t want other people to bother me whenever I am working. This also requires little to no communication at all so it’s easier to concentrate and to come out with an output. Is it more motivating to be responsible to someone for your work, or responsible for people who report to you? I think it would motivate me more to be responsible for people who report to me for it won’t be boring and at the same time you see new faces everyday. There would be a lot of things to tackle and there would be different things to consider so it won’t be just plain boring. Reading: Wikonomics and the future of companies How is the world of organized work changing? Based on the text below, it states that some works inside the company are already being outsourced and the collaboration with people outside would be more evident. The company no longer operates on its own but would rather outsource ideas for the betterment of their own. A great example of this change are the two companies Red Lake and Procter & Gamble. They have used their money for research wisely by utilizing all available resources out there. In what ways could your organization, company or business school use the wikinomics principle? For our school, I see that outsourcing professors from different other universities would be a great addition to the set of faculty the school already has. The more inputs the school provides the students (varieties of teacher) the better education they would have. What do you think are the disadvantages of the wikonomics principle? The threat I see for this kind of principle is that when the company uses too much of the outside availability of resources rather than just rely on their own, they might lose the loyalty of their own employees and they might also lose their focus on their identity in the long run due to different inputs absorbed by the company.

Vocabulary 1 hierarchy of chain of command a system of authority with different levels, one above the other, e.g. a series if management positions, whose holders can make decisions, or give orders and instructions 2 function a specific activity in a company, e.g. production, marketing, finance 3 autonomous independent, able to take decisions without consulting someone at the same level or higher in the chain of command 4 line authority the power to give instructions to people at the level below in the chain of command 5 to report to to be responsible to someone and to take instructions from them 6 to delegate to give someone else responsibility for doing something instead of you Reading: Company Structure Comprehension 1 What is the main advantage of a chain of command? The advantage is all the people in the organization know what decisions they are able to make, who their line manager or boss is, and who their immediate subordinates are whom they have line authority and can give instructions to. 2 Why is it not usually possible to organize a large organization in a single hierarchy? This is because not all the activities to be done by an organization can be solely categorized. 3 In what ways can dividing a business functionally cause problems? The main problem in the functional structure is that people are more concerned with the success of their own rather than the company as a whole. 4 What factors might lead companies to flatten their hierarchies? It varies for how big or small a company is. As stated in the text, the small firms want to keep as much control over their business as possible, whereas managers in larger businesses who want to motivate their staff would delegate decision making and responsibilities to their people. 5 According to the text, what kind of managers might not want to delegate decision making? According to the text, managers of small enterprises would want to keep as much control over their business as possible. 6 What is the potential disadvantage of matrix management systems? The potential disadvantage of having a matrix management structure is that matrices involving several departments can be quite complex, so it is sometimes necessary to give one department priority in decision making. 7 Under what circumstances might teams not be effective? The team structure might not always be effective at making good decisions and this structure would usually require a strong leader. Vocabulary delegate -- responsibilities give -- instructions make -- decisions motivate -- staff take -- priority Discussion: Incompatible goals

1 a factory working at full capacity PRODUCTION 2 a large advertising budget MARKETING 3 a large sales force earning high commission FINANCE 4 a standard product without optional features PRODUCTION 5 a strong cash flow balance FINANCE 6 a strong market share for new products MARKETING 7 generous credit facilities for customers MARKETING 8 higher profit margins FINANCE 9 large inventories to make sure that products are available PRODUCTION 10 low research and development spending FINANCE 11 machines that give the possibility of making various different products PRODUCTION 12 self-financing (using retained earnings rather than borrowing) FINANCE Listening: Big and Small Companies 1 Why does Krishna say that company size isn’t important? What does he say is important? He states that what’s important for him is that he enjoys working with the people and the basic security of supporting the family is assured, it doesn’t matter which company he is in. 2 Why does Carlo recommend university graduates to start in big companies? He recommends recent university graduates to start in big companies can be a very good opportunity because they will form you and you will learn what are the best practices in the sector. 3 What does Carlo say are the differences between big and small companies? Big and small companies differ in their mentality. In bigger companies, politics can be more important but in smaller companies, it’s more a hands-on approach. 4 What does Olga say is more important than company size? For Olga, having shared values with your colleagues and understanding what the company’s culture and vision matters more than the company size alone. 5 What does Olga say about big companies? Big companies are not that flexible, so it’s harder to adopt new changes, and to incorporate creativity. Lack of balance on these factors is a problem for these types of companies. How far do you share Krishna and Olga’s point of view, and agree with Carlo’s advice? For me, thinking after I finish schooling, I would definitely be looking for a bigger company to work for since I want to have a good start in the field. What Carlos said is very accurate when it comes to gaining experience. But I also do agree with the statement of Krishna and Olga because I stand in the saying that quality over quantity. What other benefits of working in a large company can you think of? The other benefits I see is that these companies might provide better remuneration and also better connections when it comes to looking for another job. What other reasons might make someone prefer to work in a small company? Someone who doesn’t want to deal with a lot of stress and people in a workplace might prefer working in smaller companies. People who also wanted to be monitored closely for their work performance might opt to work on small companies because they believe they can improve more and be better. Do the following statements refer to the advantages of working in a big or a small company?

1 You are less likely to be affected by a big reorganization or downsizing or merger or takeover. BIG COMPANY 2 You are often responsible for a variety of different tasks. SMALL COMPANY 3 You can actually see the result of your contribution to the firm. SMALL COMPANY 4 You can be proud of working for a company with a national or international reputation. BIG COMPANY 5 You can become more specialized in your work. SMALL COMPANY 6 You can probably change departments if you have problems with your colleagues. BIG COMPANY 7 You have more independence, and you don’t always have to wait for permission from a superior. BIG COMPANY 8 You know everyone in the company and the atmosphere is friendlier. SMALL COMPANY 9 You may be able to go and work in a foreign subsidiary. BIG COMPANY 10 Your company will probably be in a better position in an economic downturn or recession. BIG COMPANY

Presentation Write notes for a short presentation on your company or a company you would like to work for. If there’s a company I would like to work for in the future, it would be Bosch Germany. I had a short experience working for this company in the Philippines during my work immersion last summer. As an overview, Bosch is a German multinational engineering and technology company headquartered in Gerlingen, Germany. Bosch's core operating areas are spread across four business sectors: mobility (hardware and software), consumer goods (including household appliances and power tools), industrial technology (including drive and control) and energy and building technology. The reason why I like to continue working for this company is because they value the ideas and opinions of their employees. They have a so-called “CIP Program”, this program encourages people in the company to be innovative and to continuously improve. Whenever we submit an idea, it undergoes a process of testing and implementing. With this being said, I see that even Bosch is already a very big company, it values every single individual under its roof.

Chapter 4: Managing Across Cultures Lead-in What are the advantages and disadvantages of a multinational company adapting its management methods to the local culture in each country in which it operates? The advantage of adapting is that the company can learn a lot from different cultures. May it be about how they manage people, how they operate, how they live their lives, etc. These factors alone can greatly influence the company. The downside of this is that they might get too attached to these cultures and might have conflict using the adopted cultures from other companies in other places for they might see it as inappropriate or ineffective.

To what extent is the culture of your country similar enough to those of neighbouring countries to have the same management techniques? Or do they have very different attitudes to work, hierarchy, organization, and so on? If so, what are these differences? Based on my own experience working before in a foreign company in my own country, I saw the big difference in management skills of foreign bosses compared to the local ones. For me, my local boss was more strict and focused in managing people. While on the other hand, I feel like Western superiors are more flexible and give more freewill to people in doing their jobs. Listening 1: Managers and Authority 1 What concepts does Krishna say are important in management in Singapore? Krishna said that in Singapore, the emphasis on hierarchy and the superiority of managers is very important. 2 How does this differ from the European countries Krishna mentioned? He said that the European country managers are more of a guider, who encourages people by his persuasion, either his vocal talent or his technical attitude. Whenever these managers make a decision, people can challenge them. 3 From what Carlo says, how similar is Italy to Switzerland and Britain? Carlo said that at some point, Italy still has a seniority complex in a way. The tenure in the company automatically translates to authority/position. On the other hand, it is still accepted to make a point to your boss or to discuss a position and problems in an open way. ●

In your country, what gains respect within an organization, long service or achievement? I believe respect is determined by both long tenure and achievement. One can’t go without the other. ● Can a young, dynamic, aggressive manager with an MBA rise quickie in the hierarchy? This depends on what the culture of the company is. If a company is very open to such a behaviour and doesn’t consider tenure, age, achievements alone as a determining factor then it’s definitely possible. Reading: Managing Across Cultures Comprehension 1 Why is it important for companies to be aware of local cultures? Lewis stated that companies that want to be successful in foreign markets have to be aware of the local cultural characteristics that affect the way business is done. 2 What are the differences between individualists and collectivists? Individualists are those who are not afraid of confrontation but will compromise when necessary to achieve something. They believe in respecting rules, regulations and contracts, and they think that rules apply to everybody. On the other hand, the collectivists believe that personal relationships and friendships should take precedence over rules and regulations. 3 Who is more likely to think: ‘i’ll let them speak first.’ I think the collectivists would be the one saying this line. As stated in the text, the collectivists are very open, flexible, and are good at changing plans. 4 Who is more likely to say, about other people: ‘They can’t be trusted because they will always help their friends or family’ - universalists or particularists? Universalists are often described as those who respect rules, regulations and contracts. They are very strict to abide by these set of rules and regulations, with that being said, they are more

likely to say ‘They can’t be trusted because they will always help friends or family’. 5 Who is more likely to say: ‘Oh, you can’t trust them; they wouldn’t even help a friend’? Particularists will definitely stand by this sentiment. As stated earlier, the universalists are very rigid people, and would not take personal relationships into consideration when making a decision. Vocabulary 1 an invented word combining worldwide and regional concerns GLOCALIZATION 2 thought based on reason and judgement rather than feelings and emotions LOGIC 3 a face-to-face disagreement or argument CONFRONTATION 4 reducing demands or changing opinions in order to agree COMPROMISE 5 understanding or knowing without consciously using reasons INTUITION 6 people of influence or importance with whom you are associated CONNECTIONS 7 to do something when necessary without having already planned it IMPROVISE 8 respect, prestige or importance given to someone STATUS 9 believing that the group is more important than the individual COLLECTIVIST 10 to be humiliated or disrespected in public LOSE FACE 11 to cut into someone else’s turn to speak INTERRUPT 12 looking directly at the people you are talking or listening to EYE CONTACT Discussion: Managing Across Cultures 1 To what extent do you agree that it is possible to sum up national characteristics in a few words? Is there usually some (or a lot of) truth in such stereotypes? Or, on the contrary, do you find such stereotyping dangerous? I believe there are limitations in which you can stereotype people. Yes there are determining factors that can fall into certain stereotypes but there are also tons of other things that make things not fit in just one category. Given some facts, yes, there might be truth in such stereotypes. 2 If your country is not shown in the diagram, where do you think it should be situated? If your country is shown, do you agree? My country, Philippines, was shown in the diagram somewhat heading towards the reactive section of the diagram. I certainly agree to this because I see Filipino people as someone who would avoid conflict and confrontations. They are very courteous and accommodating. 3 Would you say that you, personally, were individualist or collectivist? Particularist or universalist? I myself would be a collectivist and at the same time particularist. I see people differently and I don’t categorize them into types. I see relationships and connections are of far more importance than just a book with a set of rules to follow. 4 What about the majority of people in your country? I believe one of the greatest contributors to why I fall to the categories I mentioned above is the country I grew up with. I see most of the people in my country falling into the same category as well. 5 Which of the following working practices would be effective or damaging in your country? Why? I would always go with a balance of both categories would be very effective. I think that there should really be a set of rules to guide us on what to do and not what to do, but also we should make room for mistakes and questions as not at all circumstances rules should be followed. I believe all of the choices below can be an effective work practice given the right limitations.

a the principle of ‘pay-for-performance’ for sales representatives- the more they sell, the more they get paid b having a competition for the ‘Employee of the month’ c having a matrix management system d extensive teamwork Writing: You and your influences 1. Nature: your genes or DNA, the characteristics you inherited from your parents and were born with, your emotional and physical make-up 2. Your family environment in early life 3. Primary or secondary school, teachers, and what you learnt 4. The characteristics that are considered typical of your country, arising from geography, climate, history, religion, the political, social and economic system, and so on 5. Your friends and social life, the things you do in your free time When it comes to the influence on one's behaviour and attitude I believe that childhood plays a very important role to anyone. Starting from the characteristics one inherits from their parents (physical or behavioral characteristics). As one grows up, the influence of the family is all the more evident since people were taught at home first before attending any school. Now, in the early stage of childhood comes education. The education received by a person can greatly influence his view in life. This is where one would choose what he or she would want to become in the future. Another contributing factor would be the environmental and economical system of the country one was born at. People tend to take pride in what their country is very well known for or has to boast about. This thinking can gradually affect one’s character and behaviour in the long run, Lastly, friends and what one does in his/her free time can say a lot about him/her. As the saying goes ‘Tell me who your friends are and I’ll tell you who you are.’ Listening 2: Managers and cultural diversity 1 What does Lakshmi describe as an advantage of international management schools? He said that studying in an international management school will give you an opportunity to interact with different nationalities. This would give you a more diverse experience when dealing with people from across the globe. 2 Why does Janine say that American businesspeople now have different attitudes? American businesspeople are more aware about the issues. She said, the fact that there are many business schools, so many courses running with regards to culture, the differences in aspects regarding the US versus China, and so forth, people are just more aware. 3 What skill or ability does Janine say allows people to be more self-aware? She said that emotional intelligence allows people to be...