Management Theory Chapter 2: Current Trends and the Changing Context of Management

Learning Objectives n Understand the basic concepts of several current trends in management n Explore three forces that are changing the context for managerial work today

Current Trends in Management n Quality Management n Systems Thinking n Learning Organizations n Knowledge Management n Entrepreneurship n Physical & Emotional Health

Total Quality Management n “TQM” - W. Edwards Deming n Continuous improvement n Focus on customer n Relentless attention to quality (rather than cost or productivity)

Systems Thinking n See the “whole” rather than the parts: – interrelationships vs. things – processes vs. snapshots n Recognize the problems of dynamic complexity: – cause and effect are often not closely related in time or space – consequences of actions are often not obvious to participants n Seek leverage points: – Small, well-focused actions can produce significant, long-lasting improvements n Look for enduring solutions vs. popular quick fixes: – Today’s problems often come from yesterday’s “solutions”

Systems Thinking Tools n Systems archetypes – Certain types of systemic structures tend to recur – By mapping your system, you can identify the archetype – This enables you to find the leverage points (and therefore long-term solutions) for the situation you face

Learning Organizations n Organizations that learn can deliberately adapt, change and grow rather than just react n All members of the organization take an active role in identifying and resolving work- related issues n Investment in the ongoing training and development of employees

Knowledge Management n The deliberate approach to systematically managing information in an organization – gather – store – access – share

Entrepreneurship n New business start-ups – within or outside of existing organizations

Physical & Emotional Health n Focus on the whole person/work-life balance n Employee health centers n Workplace spirituality

Factors Affecting the Changing Context of Managerial Work n Changing Workforce Demographics – Age, gender, race/ethnicity, culture n Technology – Alters what work is done, how work is done, when work is done and where work is done n Globalization

Summary n As we enter the second century of management theory, we see several trends affecting how management is practiced n At least three driving forces are changing the context for managerial work

What’s Next? n Lab reports due Friday n We will review information for Monday’s exam