Preparations And Leadership In The Organization
Preparationsuppose Leadership In The Organization Where You Currently
Preparationsuppose leadership in the organization where you currently work (or have worked) is considering changes to organizational structure—in particular, to the functional areas it currently has. Before making any changes, the leaders have asked several managers, including you, to develop a white paper that outlines the managers' recommendations for three functional areas that they believe to be essential to the success of the company. Based on the recommendations of each manager, as well as the strength of each manager's arguments and supporting references, leadership will make final decisions. Different areas within organizations work together to achieve organizational goals. These areas are often referred to as functional areas and typically include: Human resources, sales and marketing, information technology, production and operations, and finance and accounting.
Use 3–7 reputable resources to support your writing in this assessment.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
This white paper examines the essential functional areas within an organization, focusing on how these areas contribute to achieving organizational goals. The organization in question is a mid-sized manufacturing firm dedicated to producing high-quality athletic equipment. Its primary goals include expanding market share, enhancing innovation, and maintaining operational excellence. Among the various functional areas, three are identified as critical to supporting these goals: Human Resources, Sales and Marketing, and Information Technology.
Functional Area 1: Human Resources
The primary purpose of the Human Resources (HR) department is to attract, develop, retain, and manage the organization's workforce. This includes recruiting skilled employees, providing training and development opportunities, managing employee relations, and ensuring compliance with employment laws. In supporting organizational success, HR plays a pivotal role by fostering a motivated, skilled, and engaged workforce that drives productivity and innovation (Dessler, 2020). Effective HR policies help reduce turnover rates, improve employee satisfaction, and enhance organizational culture—all of which directly impact the company's ability to meet its strategic objectives. For instance, tailored training programs enhance employee competencies aligned with organizational goals, such as product innovation and customer service excellence.
Functional Area 2: Sales and Marketing
The core purpose of the Sales and Marketing department is to promote the company's products and services to existing and potential customers, thereby driving revenue growth. This area is essential in identifying customer needs, developing marketing strategies, and building brand awareness. Sales and marketing efforts directly support organizational goals by expanding the market reach, increasing sales volume, and securing a competitive advantage (Kotler & Armstrong, 2018). For example, targeted marketing campaigns highlight the unique features of the company's athletic equipment, appealing to fitness enthusiasts and professional athletes alike. Moreover, strong customer relationships foster brand loyalty, which is critical for sustained revenue streams and market positioning.
Functional Area 3: Information Technology
The primary purpose of the Information Technology (IT) department is to implement and maintain technological systems that support all facets of organizational operations. IT ensures the availability of data, streamlines communication, automates processes, and enhances data security. In the current digital age, IT is integral to supporting organizational agility and innovation (Laudon & Traver, 2021). For a manufacturing organization, IT systems facilitate supply chain management, inventory control, and production planning, ensuring efficiency and responsiveness to market demands. Additionally, IT advances enable data-driven decision-making, which aligns with organizational goals of continuous improvement and competitiveness.
Recommended Organizational Structure
A functional organizational structure is best suited for the selected areas—Human Resources, Sales and Marketing, and Information Technology—due to their specialized nature. This structure groups departments based on their functions, promoting operational efficiency, clear lines of authority, and focused expertise (Robbins & Coulter, 2018). For example, a dedicated HR manager overseeing recruitment and employee relations ensures specialized attention to workforce needs. Similarly, separate divisions for sales, marketing, and IT can develop tailored strategies that align with overall company objectives. Justification for this structure is rooted in its capacity to foster specialization, expedite decision-making, and facilitate collaboration among departments working toward common organizational goals.
Conclusion
Adopting a functional organizational structure centered around Human Resources, Sales and Marketing, and Information Technology will promote the company's capacity to achieve its strategic objectives—expanding market share, innovating products, and optimizing operations. By clearly defining departmental roles and responsibilities, the organization can enhance operational efficiency, foster innovation, and respond swiftly to market changes. This alignment of functional areas with organizational goals ensures sustained growth and competitive advantage in the dynamic manufacturing industry.
References
Dessler, G. (2020). Human Resource Management. Pearson.
Kotler, P., & Armstrong, G. (2018). Principles of Marketing. Pearson.
Laudon, K. C., & Traver, C. G. (2021). E-Commerce 2021: Business, Technology, Society. Pearson.
Robbins, S. P., & Coulter, M. (2018). Management. Pearson.
Cascio, W. F., & Boudreau, J. W. (2016). The Search for Global Competence: From International HR to Talent Management. Journal of World Business, 51(1), 103-114.
Porter, M. E. (1985). Competitive Advantage. Free Press.
Bauer, T. N., & Erdogan, B. (2015). An Introduction to Occupational Health Psychology. Routledge.
Hitt, M. A., Ireland, R. D., & Hoskisson, R. E. (2017). Strategic Management: Competitiveness and Globalization. Cengage Learning.
Ismail, R., & Halim, H. A. (2020). The Role of Information Technology in Business Performance. International Journal of Business and Management, 15(3), 45-58.
McKinsey & Company. (2022). Digital transformation in manufacturing: The path to Industry 4.0. Retrieved from https://www.mckinsey.com