This paper provides a critical analysis of the article by Reeves and Deimler (2011). The article is a helpful piece for managers who can find many tips to develop efficient strategies for their companies. Reeves and Deimler (2011) note that organizations, irrespective of their size, should remain adaptive and flexible. The authors also name major abilities every successful company should have: the ability to see the change, the ability to experiment, the ability to manage complex systems, and the ability to motivate people. Notably, the authors do not mention the ability to manage complex information systems, which is also crucial.
The article in question dwells upon the adaptability of companies in the modern world that is highly competitive. Daft (2015) notes that the culture of adaptability has been adopted by many companies that are leaders in their markets. Reeves and Deimler (2011) stress that adaptability is crucial for all companies irrespective of their size or history. More so, the authors note that big companies may be more vulnerable as they are often less flexible. Nita and Dura (2011) also argue that multinationals have to develop numerous strategies to remain flexible and be able to adapt quickly. At the same time, Reeves and Deimler (2011) provide a number of examples that suggest that many big companies and multinationals are quite successful as they manage to remain adaptive and flexible. Such companies are Procter & Gamble, Tesco as well as many others. It is clear that these companies come up with efficient strategies to cope with arising issues.
It is noteworthy that Reeves and Deimler (2011) do not simply name a problem. The authors also reveal major abilities a company should have to remain competitive in the modern business environment. Thus, a successful company should be able to “read and act on signals of change,” it should be able to experiment rapidly, it should be capable of managing complex systems, and it should also be able to motivate its employees as well as partners (Reeves and Deimler, 2011, p. 137). It is necessary to add that these abilities are very important, and the researchers identify the most significant ones.
However, they also miss one important ability. This is the ability to manage IT systems. The era of information requires companies to employ information systems effectively. Interestingly, the authors mention this ability when providing the example of Procter & Gamble. Reeves and Deimler (2011) touch upon the company’s use of technology, which is associated with the ability to manage complex systems (in this case, information systems). Hitt, Ireland, and Hoskisson (2014) also stress that it is crucial for contemporary companies to manage information systems effectively as it enables them to remain competitive and flexible.
It is necessary to note that apart from identifying a number of abilities the companies should have, the researchers also provide examples to illustrate their points. Thus, Reeves and Deimler (2011) mention leading companies and their effective strategies. For instance, Tesco is mentioned as the company that is able to see the change and cope with it. Procter & Gamble is depicted as a company that is able to experiment. Toyota turns out to be the company that manages complex multicompany systems in a very efficient way.
In conclusion, it is possible to note that the article in question is very informative and it can be beneficial for managers of big and small companies. The article unveils some factors that can positively and negatively affect the development of organizations. Managers should take into account the major points concerning abilities and develop their strategies based on the information provided in the article. This will enable their companies to remain competitive in a highly competitive business environment.
Reference List
Daft, R. (2015). Management. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Hitt, M., Ireland, R.D., & Hoskisson, R. (2014). Strategic management: Concepts and cases: Competitiveness and globalization. Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning.
Nita, D., & Dura, C. (2011). Approaching competitiveness at the level of multinational companies. Annals of the University of Petrosani, Economics, 11(4), 223-232.
Reeves, M., & Deimler, M. (2011, July-August). Adaptability: The new competitive advantage. Harvard Business Review, 135-141.