Management Functions
There are four main functions performed by managers in Links Manufacturing. The first function is planning. Managers in this firm set goals which the firm is supposed to achieve within a specific period. Afterwards each manager communicates to all employees working in his department about both long term and short term goals. All departments have specific plans which guide employees on how they are supposed to perform their duties.
The organising function allows the firm’s managers to put in place proper workplace structures that enable employees perform their duties effectively. They design all work responsibilities to be performed in their departments and this allows employees working under them to know what they are expected to do (Jones & George, 2006, p. 67). Managers are able to put in place effective work systems which help their workers to achieve positive results.
Managers in the firm also perform various leadership functions. They give proper guidance to their subordinates to help them achieve positive results in their duties. They communicate constantly with their subordinates to ensure they stay focused on their responsibilities. They also supervise their subordinates and give them advice to help them improve the quality of their work.
Managers are also expected to perform controlling functions in the firm. However, some employees do not like being supervised by their managers in their respective workstations. Recently, the firm organised a meeting where managers discussed with junior employees about the most effective methods to be used to monitor and supervise employees in their workstations.
These consultations allowed the firm to implement effective performance review procedures which reward workers that register positive performance in the firm. This has had a meaningful impact in the firm because workers have become more loyal. All workers recognise the essence of the firm’s mission and values which has made them more dedicated to their duties (Jones & George, 2006, p. 70).
Strong Points
Managers in this firm have good relationships with junior employees. They know workplace objectives have to be achieved within specific time limits and they encourage all employees in the firm to work harder. They are always willing to share knowledge with their employees about different work processes.
This has allowed the firm to make its internal work processes more efficient and innovative. The firm’s managers have also united all employees by encouraging them to share ideas to help them achieve positive results. As a result, employees are willing to collaborate as they perform their responsibilities in their workstations. This approach has helped the firm increase its competitiveness in the market (DuBrin, 2003, p. 52).
Need for Improvement
The firm needs to improve the way its employees communicate with each other. The firm needs to implement policies that guide employees on codes of conduct they need to observe while at work. This will help them understand the management’s expectations to enable them perform their duties more effectively (Rue & Byars, 2003, p. 79).
The firm also needs to encourage its employees to share ideas with their managers to help the firm achieve positive results. The firm needs to organise different activities to enable employees bond with each other to make them understand the value of having collective objectives. As a result, all employees will be more willing to partner with their workmates to achieve good outcomes at work.
References
DuBrin, A.J (2003). Essentials of management. Peterborough, Ontario: Thomson.
Jones, G.R., & George J.M. (2006). Contemporary management. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Rue, L.W., & Byars, L.L. (2003). Management: Skills and applications. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.