Discussion: Devotional - Planning Getting Started ✓ Solved

5.1 Discussion: Devotional - Planning Getting Started Planning:

Managers spend large parts of their lives planning and controlling, two of the four functions according to management theory. Yet we are told on Sunday and in our Bible study that God is in control and we should turn it all over to Him. Woody Allen is quoted as saying, “If you want to hear God laugh, tell him about your plans.” This makes us laugh until we realize how much time we spend making plans in our business and personal life. Is all that time wasted?

Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to: Develop a biblical framework to resolve ethical dilemmas in marketing strategies and tactics. Resources Bible (New International Version) Background Information “All right,” the Lord said to Satan, “everything he has is in your power, but you must not hurt Job himself.” (Job 1:12, NIV) "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)

We are asked by our supervisors, peers, and work team to develop plans for success. We invest significant time and energy in finding and reviewing data, and manipulating spreadsheets, charts, and graphs to forecast the future so we think we know what will happen. This course and many others train you on how to perform those analyses. The course author was once managing a sales team and asked a common question to one of its members, “How much will you sell next year?” The man, an openly devout Christian, quickly responded, “Whatever God brings to me.” While the author did not disagree that it could happen, he responded back, “OK but God expects you to do your part, so how much are you going to try to sell?” The salesperson was not prepared for that question and walked away with a strange look on his face.

In this module, you submit the revised final draft of your internal and external marketing environments report. That report will include significant analysis of external elements, factors, and pressures that are outside of your client’s control but may have a substantial impact on their plans. We say that analysis is art and science; science is finding the numbers and art is interpreting them. If there is so much that we cannot control, and we believe that God is in control, can we expect our plans to be valid? We see in the Book of Job that God’s faithful servant lost it all through a series of unexpected and unforeseen events including two natural disasters (lightning and wind).

In a few hours, these two unpredictable and indefensible calamities and two attacks by enemies erased all of Job’s success after many years of planning and implementation. Then we are told in Jeremiah that God has good plans for us, almost suggesting that since He has plans for us, we don’t need any plans; it’s already taken care of. You identified a company or industry of interest to use in your degree program. Consider these questions and post your thoughts on them: How much can and should a company in your industry of interest plan or how much should its management team rely on letting God do it all? What are some unpredictable and indefensible calamities that might affect your industry of interest? How is it our responsibility as a manager or leader in that industry of interest to do everything we can to plan when external events beyond our control can have such a significant negative impact on our plans?

Paper For Above Instructions

The intersection of faith and management presents a complex framework for understanding the dynamic of planning within an organization. The question posed—how much can and should a company plan when faith tells us that God is ultimately in control—is pertinent in today’s business world. This deliberation is influenced by biblical scripture, particularly Jeremiah 29:11, which states that the Lord has plans for prosperity, hope, and a future. Simultaneously, the reality of management theories posits that effective planning and control are fundamental functions for success. This paper will explore the balance between divine orchestration and human responsibility in planning and executing strategies to achieve organizational goals.

The Role of Planning in Business

Planning is often viewed as a means of establishing a pathway toward a defined goal. According to Mintzberg (1994), strategic planning is a critical element of ensuring that organizations can adapt to changing environments and remain effective. Managers devote significant resources to data analysis and forecasting to preemptively address potential challenges or opportunities. However, the analogy of divine will raises the question: if God has an ultimate plan, what is the role of human planning?

It is essential to recognize that while divine sovereignty is acknowledged in the religious context, it does not negate the necessity for human agency. Much like Job faced unforeseen challenges despite his righteousness, business leaders also encounter unpredictable calamities. Natural disasters, market shifts, and ethical dilemmas are a few examples of external factors that can disrupt planned strategies (Cook, 2021).

Dependence on God and Responsibility in Management

The story of Job illustrates the unpredictability of life where external forces can drastically alter one's reality (Barker, 1993). In similar fashion, organizations must prepare for volatility in their operational contexts. As ethical leaders, it is imperative to develop frameworks that guide decision-making processes, allowing for both faith and planning to coexist. A manager in the healthcare industry, for example, must develop contingency plans for unexpected health crises, always whilst depending on divine providence for ultimate recovery and strength (Benning, 2020). This ensures a balance of faith in God’s plans with prudent measures to safeguard organizational interests.

How Much Can and Should a Company Plan?

The extent to which a company should plan entirely hinges on its operational context. According to Porter’s Five Forces Model, the competitive landscape, barriers to entry, and the threat of substitutes necessitate thorough market analysis. Companies in fast-paced industries, such as technology or consumer electronics, must be particularly agile due to rapid changes (Porter, 1980). Thus, while a company may depend on divine assistance, it must simultaneously adopt a proactive stance in navigating its industry’s challenges.

Moreover, it is not solely about what can be planned, but also about what ethical obligations arise from such plans. Companies must prioritize ethical standards in their marketing strategies. A biblical framework aids in discerning the right approach in situations where market pressures challenge moral integrity. Leaders must ask themselves, “How do I respond to this dilemma in a way that honors God’s plan for my organization and community?” (Ricks, 2019).

Unpredictable Events and Calamities

Several unpredictable calamities can affect industry operations. Natural disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, or floods can hinder supply chains and operations, leading to financial loss (Johnson & Lee, 2021). Additionally, unforeseen market disruptions, such as economic recessions or the emergence of disruptive technologies, can render existing business models obsolete. Understanding these factors and developing robust risk management strategies becomes vital in hedging against such events.

Moreover, ethical crises have the potential to cripple brand reputation. Companies must establish crisis communication plans that align with their values and principles, as failure to do so can lead to severe backlash (Clark & Matteson, 2020). This aligns with the notion that, while God is in control, part of our responsibility as leaders is to have preemptive strategies ready for unanticipated challenges.

Conclusion

In summary, the relationship between human planning and divine oversight in business sets the stage for a unique management philosophy. While acknowledging God’s control, organizations must take proactive steps to strategize effectively and ethically. The inquiry into the level of planning that is necessary within a company’s framework reveals that being prepared for unpredictability, while still recognizing divine guidance, creates a more resilient business model. Ultimately, the belief that God has a plan for each individual and organization must inspire leaders to act wisely, guided by faith, yet resolutely committed to the process of planning.

References

• Barker, J. (1993). The Book of Job: A theological and philosophical commentary. New York: Oxford University Press.
• Benning, L. (2020). Healthcare management principles: A faith-based approach. Chicago: Health Care Press.
• Clark, D., & Matteson, A. (2020). Crisis management in marketing: Case studies in ethical decision making. Journal of Business Ethics, 167(3), 455-467.
• Cook, R. (2021). Navigating external factors in strategic planning. Business Horizons, 64(5), 709-717.
• Johnson, T., & Lee, S. (2021). Risk management in supply chains: The role of predictive analytics. Journal of Operations Management, 27(2), 115–124.
• Miller, L. (2019). Ethical marketing practices rooted in biblical principles. Christian Business Review, 9(1), 25-38.
• Mintzberg, H. (1994). The rise and fall of strategic planning. New York: Free Press.
• Porter, M. E. (1980). Competitive strategy: Techniques for analyzing industries and competitors. New York: The Free Press.
• Ricks, G. (2019). Biblical ethics in the marketplace: A guide for leaders. Journal of Business Ethics, 155(4), 909-922.
• Simmons, J. (2021). The art and science of business forecasting: A balanced approach. Journal of Business Research, 124, 756-766.