Organizational Behavior: Panasonic
Impact of the Event in Group Dynamics
Groups are considered as a vital element in the development and performance of a given organization. Dieterly (1978) defined a group or team as a distinguishable set of individuals who function together in order to accomplish a specific objective. In more specific term, it can be defined as the distinguishable set of two or more people who interact, dynamically, interdependently and adaptively toward a common and valued goals/objective/mission; each of whom has been assigned specific roles or functions in order to perform and who have limited life-span membership (O’Neil & Drilliings 1994, p. 143).
In the case of Panasonic, there are three vital teams which are the sales, marketing and administration. They are considered as the most important groups that focus on the most important aspects of the organization. However, it can be seen that the three groups are having problems in terms of communication and relationship.
The central theme or core meaning of team based on the definition given by O’Neil & Drillings focuses on the most vital aspect in any group or team – task orientation. And that is considered as the primary problem of the three groups.
The case shows that the inventory control for the products was very poor managed by the marketing team in terms of meeting the demand of the market. As a result, it will reflect on the performance of other department. This is important because of the fact that different groups or team in the organization are considered as connected due to the fact that the output data or information from one group will serve as an input to another, thus if the first team gathered and processes wrong information, it will create a domino effect, to the next teams.
It is important for each and every team member as well as each and every team to have a dynamic exchange of information and resources (O’Neil & Drilliings 1994, p. 144). This is opposite on what the marketing team, due to the fact that they are sometimes keeping back information about marketing campaign to their advantage that leaves the members of the sales team answerable to the retailers and distributors in time of price drop or better campaign payout that resulted for the members of the sales team to lose the trust of the partner business. The said aspect also shows one of the most important aspects in the organizational relationship – the coordination of different tasks.
Aside from the relationship between the groups, it will also be important to consider the important of management or leadership in managing the group. In the case of the after sales department, the failure of the team was due to the failure of the division head to manage and control. This is important because the leaders are the one who are responsible in guiding the team members towards the common goals. In addition, the leader can help to manage any misunderstanding inside the organization by managing emotions, feelings and attitudes, use the strengths and weaknesses of each and every member in order to achieve their desired plan.
Recommendation
Based on the said observation, it can be said that the organization is facing different problems regarding the internal communication and relationship. This is important due to the fact that it can great affect the individual performance of each and every employee in the company, as well as the performance of the company as a whole, that can affect the competitive and strategic advantage of the company, together with their position in the said market.
The following are the actions that can be taken in order to manage the different issues and problems that are related to the attitudes and perceptions, motivation as well as group dynamics with connection to the entire behavior of the organization:
Actions
1. Clarify goals, mission, visions and objectives
2. Proper assigning of areas of roles and responsibilities of each group
3. Use Appropriate Appraisal
4. Promote Trust
5. Encourage Participation
6. Promote Team Spirit and Social Support
7. Foster Communication and Cooperation
8. Reward Vital Contribution
1. Clarify goals, mission, visions and objectives
One of the primary problems of the company is their lack of the organizational or corporate goals and objectives. This is due to the fact that it can be observed that each and every department or team are competing with each other, primarily the sales and marketing team. Having a corporate goals and objectives aside from the team or departmental goals and objectives is important due to the fact that when the members and teams have a well-defined mission, they are likely to pull in the same direction at the same time attempt to reach the same goals. Thus, the goals must be articulated clearly ().
2. Proper assigning of areas of roles and responsibilities of each group
Another important problems of the company, is that the roles and responsibilities of each group or team are not clear. That is why if one of the actions had failed, each of the team are blaming other team. Thus, proper assigning of areas of roles and responsibilities of each group will help each team to know their boundaries that will help them to focus on a particular task.
3. Use Appropriate Appraisal
As have mentioned in the first part of the paper, Mr. Ng shows unfairness and favoritism inside the organization. In connection to that, Mr. Ng is always taking the side of the marketing and administration team, and not appreciating the effort of the sales team. In order to solve the said problem, it will be important for the company to use appropriate and balance mode of appraisal that will measure the effectiveness and efficiency of each and every individual, as well as each team. This will encourage motivation.
4. Promote Trust
Each and every member must trust each other in order to support their mutual understanding. On the other hand, this must also be implemented in the relationship of each and every group.
5. Encourage Participation
It is important to consider that the more group members participate in the process of decision-making, the more likely they will feel committed to the said decisions. This must be applied by the organization by asking the opinions and recommendations of each and every group.
6. Promote Team Spirit and Social Support
Each member and team in the organization must lend their interpersonal and task support to other team, at the same time, the top management, Mr. Ng must focus on giving support to the groups in fair manner.
7. Foster Communication and Cooperation
Communication is a vital aspect inside the organization because it can help to lessen different uncertainties that can cause misunderstanding and chaos. Thus, each and every member and group must communicate and cooperate with each other, in order to coordinate and connect their efforts towards the common goal.
8. Reward Vital Contributions
It is important to understand that rewarding does not only focus on monetary manner. It can also be award or honor that will help to motivate the employee. This is due to that fact that it will encourage the desired behavior in order to be repeated in the future performance of each and every individual.
References
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Osland, JS, Kolb, DA and Rubin IM 2001, “The Organization Behavior Reader”, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River New Jersey.
Pinder, CC 1998, “Work Motivation in Organizational Behavior”, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River New Jersey.
Silverthorne, C 2001,”A test of the path-goal leadership theory in Taiwan”, Leadership & Organization Development Journal, p. 151-158, California.
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Vroom, V.H. (1964) “Work and Motivation”, p. 14-15, New York, Wiley cited in Pinder, CC 1998, “Work Motivation in Organizational Behavior”, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River New Jersey.
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