Role Of The Manager And The Impact Of Organizational Theory

Role Of The Manager And the Impact of Organizational Theories on Managers

In this assignment, students analyze the management style of Bart Aldrin, the shipping manager at Galaxy Toys, Inc., from two different time periods: when he first joined the company and after the organizational culture shift in the late 20th century. The analysis involves identifying the management theories that best describe his approaches during these periods, supported by course readings and critical reasoning. Additionally, students examine how Joyce Barnhart, as a 21st-century manager, will approach her role differently, integrating contemporary management principles and theories.

Paper For Above instruction

This paper explores the evolution of management theories as exemplified by Bart Aldrin’s management style at Galaxy Toys, Inc., and anticipates how Joyce Barnhart’s perspective as a 21st-century manager will transform management practice within the same organization. The analysis begins with an overview of Bart’s initial management approach, progresses through the organizational cultural shift, and concludes with a projection of Joyce’s management strategy rooted in modern management theories.

Galactic Toys, Inc., a major player in the toy industry, experienced significant cultural and operational change over several decades. When Bart Aldrin first became the shipping manager in 1969, his management style was characterized by a strong focus on efficiency, task specialization, and a command-and-control approach. His prior experience with International Shipping, where he rapidly advanced due to his meticulous planning, instructions, and process optimization skills, heavily influenced his managerial behavior. His leadership was rooted in scientific management principles, emphasizing systematic work processes, standardization, and supervision (Taylor, 1911). Bart’s methods reflected the classical school of management — emphasizing productivity, efficiency, and hierarchical control, which aligns with the principles of Frederick Taylor’s scientific management theory.

Frederick Taylor, often called the father of scientific management, proposed that work processes could be optimized through scientific analysis, leading to increased efficiency and productivity. His focus on time studies and worker specialization directly correlates with Bart’s management approach, prioritizing task control and efficiency over employee participation (Taylor, 1911). This approach was typical of early management theories that viewed workers as parts of a machine, focusing primarily on output and minimizing variability.

However, as the 1980s and early 1990s unfolded, changes in the competitive landscape, technological innovations, and shifts in workforce values prompted Galaxy’s leadership to reconsider their managerial approach. The organization moved toward a more people-centered style that valued employee participation, diversity, and a culture of learning. This transformation signifies a move away from classical scientific management towards more modern, human relations and systems perspectives.

During this period, Bart’s management approach evolved to incorporate elements of the human relations school. Unlike his previous style, which was based on task efficiency and rigid control, his new approach recognized the importance of employee engagement, diversity, and teamwork. This shift aligns with the principles of human relations theory, which emphasizes employee motivation, communication, and participation in decision-making (Mayo, 1933). The management’s greater openness to employee ideas and inclusion in organizational decisions exemplifies a systemic view, recognizing that employee well-being and involvement contribute significantly to organizational success (Barnard, 1938).

Maxwell Garnett Barnard’s administrative theory underscores the importance of cooperative relationships between managers and employees and highlights the significance of informal organizational networks, which became more prominent in Galaxy’s evolving culture. This systemic approach prompted Bart and his colleagues to adopt a more participative style, integrating employee feedback into daily operations. Such a change fostered innovation, flexibility, and a customer-focused orientation that was crucial in a competitive market.

Transitioning to Joyce Barnhart’s future as a 21st-century manager, her approach will embody contemporary management theories—specifically, the systems school of thought combined with transformational leadership. The systems school perceives organizations as complex, adaptive systems requiring a holistic perspective, thus emphasizing interconnectedness, continuous learning, and adaptability (Katz & Kahn, 1966). Joyce’s understanding of her role will extend beyond task management to strategic leadership, innovation facilitation, and fostering an organizational culture that emphasizes agility, diversity, and technological integration.

Transformational leadership, articulated by Burns (1978), is particularly relevant for Joyce. This school advocates inspiring and motivating employees to achieve organizational goals beyond their self-interest, fostering a shared vision and encouraging innovation and change. As a 21st-century manager, Joyce’s vision will likely focus on empowering employees, promoting diversity, and cultivating a learning organization that responds swiftly to environmental changes.

In practical terms, Joyce’s management style will manifest in more participative decision-making, delegation of responsibility, and leveraging technology to enhance communication and collaboration. For example, she might implement flexible work arrangements, encourage cross-functional teams, and promote continuous professional development—elements consistent with the principles of the learning organization concept (Senge, 1990). Her approach will also involve emphasizing corporate social responsibility and environmental awareness, aligning with modern organizational values that prioritize stakeholder engagement and sustainability.

In conclusion, the management style of Bart Aldrin initially reflects classical scientific management principles emphasizing efficiency and control, which shifted toward human relations and systemic approaches as Galaxy Toys adapted to changing organizational values. Joyce Barnhart, embodying 21st-century management theories, will adopt a transformational and systemic perspective that fosters innovation, employee engagement, and organizational agility. This evolution underscores the importance of adapting management theories to organizational contexts and environmental demands.

References

  • Barnard, C. I. (1938). The Functions of the Executive. Harvard University Press.
  • Burns, J. M. (1978). Leadership. Harper & Row.
  • Katz, D., & Kahn, R. L. (1966). The Social Psychology of Organizations. Wiley.
  • Mayo, E. (1933). The Human Problems of an Industrial Civilization. Macmillan.
  • Senge, P. (1990). The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of The Learning Organization. Doubleday.
  • Taylor, F. W. (1911). The Principles of Scientific Management. Harper & Brothers.

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