To promote the positive development of BoldFlash, it is necessary to make changes in the areas of manufacturing, marketing, sales, and product development. The training plan for communication and collaboration should be developed. Finally, it is crucial to determine the training methods and create a framework for successful communication between various audiences. With the efficient use of resources and a thoughtful analysis of the current situation, it will be possible to enhance the organization’s processes.
Communication strategies to employ in the four areas of focus involve researching issues that differ from the manager’s usual sphere of knowledge, taking everyone’s views seriously, and providing everyone with the right to be heard. According to Gurak and Lannon (2016), these approaches are likely to mitigate conflicts within the organization and improve the levels of trust and understanding among divisions. At this point, the identified strategies are necessary to utilize in every area of focus since all the four of them demonstrate the lack of understanding and agreement (Beer & Shelton, 2012). However, for the manufacturing department, it would be useful to additionally incorporate the approach of active listening since these specialists complain about feeling isolated (Beer & Shelton, 2012; Gurak & Lannon, 2016). Therefore, the identified strategies have the potential to improve communication between employees working in all areas of focus.
The next important step to decide on is the selection of the most suitable collaboration approaches. In the current circumstances, the most viable collaboration strategy is coordination (Kale, 2018). Thus, the collaborative structure will involve a clear division of responsibilities, as well as the points where the four areas will work together towards the common goal. Most importantly, it is necessary to arrange collaborative relationships between the manufacturing and sales departments since their interests are often contradictory (Beer & Shelton, 2012). It would be a good idea to develop an organizational social network, which could both allow faster communication and enable efficient collaboration.
To return the success and popularity BoldFlash used to have, it is significant to come up with training methods for employees. The most viable option for the company is organizational learning. According to Aragón, Jiménez, and Valle (2014), such training promotes organizational performance. The training methods will involve workshops, briefings, on-site practical assignments, and online courses. Such approaches will be suitable for the audience, which is composed of employees and managers.
Finally, to successfully implement the selected strategies and methods, it is necessary to prepare a framework for creating productive communications in the four areas of focus. The first step would be preparing a strategic development plan and include the methods for training and collaboration for managers and employees in each of the four elements. The second phase would incorporate teaching the audiences on how to work as a unity rather than different divisions. The third step would be the collection of data upon training and the evaluation of achievements. In each of the areas, there will be a person responsible for the framework’s implementation to ensure that the desired outcomes are achieved.
BoldFlash is currently in decline, but it does not mean that the company cannot enter the list of the greatest players in the market any time soon. All that has to be done is the proper identification of communication and collaboration methods and the implementation of these strategies in practice. When every person working for the organization knows their place and responsibilities, they will enhance productivity. Furthermore, when every employee feels like cooperating with other departments rather than behaving like rivals, they will gain benefits both for themselves and the whole company.
References
Aragón, M. I. B., Jiménez, D. J., & Valle, R. S. (2014). Training and performance: The mediating role of organizational learning. BRQ Business Research Quarterly, 17(3), 161–173. Web.
Beer, M., & Shelton, R. (2012). BoldFlash: Cross-functional challenges in the mobile division. Brighton, MA: Harvard Business Publishing.
Gurak, L. J., & Lannon, J. M. (2016). Strategies for technical communication in the workplace (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Pearson Education.
Kale, V. (2018). Agile network businesses: Collaboration, coordination, and competitive advantage. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.