pplying Organizational Behavior Theory
Introduction
Various organizations usually have various organizational problems that in most cases involve both employees and even the management. The common problems usually faced by different organizations include individual employee issues, team problems and even organization wide company. In this assignment we are going to consider the organizational behavior theory to address the various problems within an organization. As an organizational change consultant, I have noted that MJX Company has in the recent past been experiencing all the three types of problems mentioned above. In our attempt to do this, we answer the following questions.
1. Define a problem, past or present for that organization.
MJX is a company specializing in electronics manufacture. It has been in existence since the early 1990s. It produces laptops, personal computers, desktops, mobile phones, televisions refrigerators among other valuable electronics. In the recent past the company has been exposed to a series of challenging financial down falls coupled with a serious collection of numerous organizational problems. Some of the key problems recently witnessed include drastic drop in the levels of teamwork spirit, poorer employee relationships and frequent personal differences and side shows usually witnessed at the work place. The marketing strategies of the organization have also since failed exposing the organization to a consistent loss-making period.
2. Using a combination of trade industry materials and/or personal communication with industry leaders/managers, justify the problem (i.e., provide enough detail to prove the existence and significance of the problem). Use appropriate academic peer-reviewed literature to support your argument.
Research conducted by Ipsos on the current situation of the company reflects a huge chunk of dissatisfaction with the company's current status among both the employees and the managing partners. At least 70% of the employees or the managers or those affiliated to MJX feel that there is something wrong at the company currently. Internal fights and exchange of insults have been constant occurrence among different employees of the company. This is an indication that the employee relations have since become worse.
It has also been noted that team work that used to be the core of MJX has since been a long gone story. The employees no longer feel motivated to involve in team way of solving problems. This has been greatly contributed by the poorer inter-employee relations that have since taken course of action in the company. Consequently, a drastic drop in the net profits over the previous 5 years has been noted. The data given below represent the net profits for the past 10 years in million.
|
Year
|
net annual profit in million $
|
|
year 2004
|
12.3
|
|
year 2005
|
13.1
|
|
year 2006
|
16.2
|
|
year 2007
|
15.9
|
|
year 2008
|
16.5
|
|
year 2009
|
16.3
|
|
year 2010
|
13.6
|
|
year 2011
|
13
|
|
year 2012
|
12.4
|
|
year 2013
|
10.1
|
|
year 2014
|
7
|
A plot of the dataset shows a steady decrease in net annual profits for the company as shown below.
3. Using organizational behavior theory, discuss how the theory might be applied practically to manage employee behavior to bring about positive, constructive change to the noted problem.
Organizational behavior theory is a theory that studies an organization from different multiple viewpoints. These viewpoints could the behavior within the organization and the relationship of the organization with other organizations. These organizational behavior theories can be classified into either micro organizational behavior theory or macro organizational behavior theory. Micro organizational behavior theory refers to the study of an individual or a group within an organization's setting. Macro organizational theory refers to the study of the entire organization and industry. It includes the various strategies and proposals to ensure it overcomes the challenges the challenges.
Concept like decision making, leadership styles, team building techniques, job satisfaction and motivation are some of the areas explained in the organizational theories. Micro organizational behavior can help us study the operations within the organization and strategize on how to solve the organization's issues. A clear study should be conducted to check what could have been the cause of the poor relations between the various employees of MJX.
When it comes to the attempt to check the reason for the profit reduction, MJX should conduct macro organizational study to ensure what could have worsened its relations with other companies. This could be one of the main reasons for the drastic fall in the net annual profits for the previous five years.
4. Explicitly include in your case a discussion of the following aspects of systems theory:
a. The climate and types of cultures likely to be encountered, and the types of systems to be considered based on the organization's cultural climate
1. Mission connection: this refers to how committed the organization is to meeting its mission and vision.
2. Leadership styles: this refers to the management skills and strategies aimed at ensuring the organization's activities run smoothly.
3. Reporting structure: refers to the organization's hierarchal structure or style.
4. Language and communication: gives a clear description of the organization's method of information delivery and the jargons associated with the organization.
b. Employee motivation, including factors of motivation (such as planning and communication) and the types of motivation present within the organization
The motivation of the employees is a very crucial aspect of an organization's success. The organization's employees if motivated will ensure they perform to their best. This could be done by way of incentives or even better salaries. Communication of important issues and planning of various company programs should be done in such a way that it includes all the relevant members.
c.Possible employee satisfaction issues regarding development and implementation of a change plan to address the noted problem
I would recommend a study be conducted at MJX to check on all the issues discussed above. It should check on the possible causes of the profit reduction in the company.