Strengths of Formulation Styles for Problem Identification in Different Companies
Depending on the nature and character of the problem as well as circumstances involved, different decision making models can be implemented. Each of the presented companies makes use of one style to solve problems that dominates over the others, which creates a number of obstacles.
Hence, Ericson, AT&T, an Panther Expedite support a bottom-to-top decision making models where the primary importance is attached to lower layers of the managerial level. In this respect, the problem identification here is heavily impacted by the customers’ needs and requests.
The main strength of this style consists in greater opportunities to meet the customer’s demands and in increasing employees’ involvement in this process. Active participation in collective and democratic decision making process imposes greater responsibility on the employees making them more accountable for the production process.
In contrast, a top-to-bottom decision making model imposes more duties and obligations on the managerial personnel that should participate more actively in all stages of problem identification and solution search. Having a center for problem solving contributes to a more intense coordination between departments. This is typical of autocratic decision making style, as presented in Cumulus Media and Panther Expedite where all decisions and procedures should be passed trough the managerial centers.
Weaknesses of Problem Identification and Formulation Styles to Solve Problems in Different Companies
A hierarchical model of decision making, as presented in Ericson Managed Services and Cumulus Media, has certain gaps in terms of coordination between the departmental managers. Lack of horizontal coordination creates certain problems leading to failure to perform certain duties and obligations.
This problem identification styles requires a manager to consider all chains and stages of providing a particular solution. Absence of at leas one link in a chain can present a great challenge for a company. The same concerns Panther Expedite where excessive control of the center deprives departmental managers of certain rights and responsibilities. Autocratic decision making is also included into the list but because of other concerns.
Hence, decision from the top can be executed by the managers from lower layers, which can create misbalances of coordination between the departments. In general, all styles of decision making can be successfully implemented if they are applied to a particular problem and circumstance. More importantly, it is much more preferable to use a mixed model of decision making to meet constantly changing demands of the customers.