The Issue, the Alternative, and the Recommended Solution
The issue that the Coca-Cola Company faces is the need to introduce reusable plastic bottles for its carbonated drinks. The initiative is meant to address the problem of massive environmental pollution that is affecting global society. This initiative was seen as a solution to emerging environmental problems. The alternative to this solution would be to continue using glass bottles as was the case in the past. However, glass bottles are delicate and heavier than the proposed reusable plastic bottles. As such, it is recommended that the company should embrace the reusable bottles initiative. The alternative to the primary solution is more expensive. Handling delicate bottles, as Morden (2017) observes, is not only expensive but also demanding in terms of the labor force needed. This solution is supported by Theory Z, as explained in the previous assignment.
How This Theory Helped In Developing a Solution for the Feasibility Study
As a manager, Theory Z helped in developing a solution for this study. This theory emphasizes the need to ensure that employees are loyal and remain committed to their work. One of the ways of ensuring that workers are committed to the firm is to engage them actively when making decisions. As a manager, I am always committed to enhancing employees’ engagement in decision-making processes. I found this important in determining the feasibility of the study. By making it easy for employees to share their thoughts freely, it was possible to identify ways of implementing the sustainable initiative in the most appropriate manner possible. They gave their views about the proposed initiative, what they believe should be considered, and how the management should introduce it at the global level.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Chosen Theories
Theory Z has advantages and disadvantages that are worth discussing in this assignment given that it will inform critical management decisions. One of the advantages of this theory is that it promotes employee empowerment. According to Hill, Jones, and Schilling (2017), employees are critical assets to any organization. The success of a company depends on how well they complete assignments given to them. When empowered, as explained in this theory, their productivity will increase, enhancing the ability of the firm to achieve the desired goals. It also encourages managers to ensure that the private life of the workers is not allowed to affect the quality of their work. The main disadvantage of this theory is that it is very demanding of the managers. Addressing career-related problems and private issues of employees may not be easy. Some of the employees may take advantage of care systems to get unnecessary favors.
Justification of the Claims
According to Butler and Tischler (2016), taking good care of workers is the most appropriate way of ensuring that they deliver the best value possible for every assignment given to them. Using Theory Z, the management of this company will ensure that workers are accorded the right environment that will enable them to deliver the set objectives. On the other hand, Hitt, Ireland, and Hoskisson (2017) warn that care should be offered in a way that does not make it easy for lazy employees to take advantage of it. The management should ensure that systems and structures are put in place to limit the abuse of power given to the employees under the new system.
References
Butler, D., & Tischler, L. (2016). Design to grow: How Coca-Cola learned to combine scale and agility (and how you can, too). London, UK: Portfolio Penguin.
Hill, C., Jones, G., & Schilling, A. (2017). Strategic management theory. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Hitt, M., Ireland, D., & Hoskisson, E. (2017). Strategic management: Competitiveness and globalization: Concepts and cases. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Morden, T. (2017). Principles of strategic management (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Taylor & Francis Group.