Adaptation to the Pace of Change

The pace of our personal and professional lives seems to be getting faster by the day. In order to operate most efficiently, we must be prepared to change at a moment's notice. While it may increase our productivity in many ways, there are also negative aspects of change that we must expect and deal with.

Since change requires adaptation, the pressure on individuals to become ever more resilient is intense: speeding up processes, demanding 24/7 attention, depending upon and integrating technological shifts, elimination of slack leading to efficiencies but also stress, and the need for continuous personal education and development, we must ask, is it realistic? Can management and the workforce be as Proteus, the first shape shifter (from Greek mythology), and become all things to all challenges?

This student views the change as a process that we have accepted and that adaptation will continue to grow rapidly. Technology has grown a desire to obtain information at a rapid rate. Server down, or email outages in business can cause a business to lose customers and millions of revenue hourly (Abrams, 2010).

Society, through technology, has increased its demand for information, and individuals and organizations have adapted. We have moved from desktop to laptops, from laptops to net books, from net books to mobile phones. The transformation is happening at an alarming pace and continues to require humans to morph to accomplish the tasks technology helps them accomplish.

The hours of operation for individuals in the business world have shifted from 9-5 to 24/7. There is an expectation that email's prompt response on email's and the user of voice mails has become obsolete. The shift continues to happen; Facebook is now developing an E-Mail services that integrates our email, instant message, Facebook message and tweets into one view (Helft, 2010). So in answering the question of the workforce continues to shape shift, this student agrees that the change is inevitable. The integration of social networks with email services will increase the response time and enhance the communication medium.

Abraham Maslow describes the human beings desire to feed their need on different levels in order to obtain satisfaction (Maslow, 2000). Technology helps feed our need for smaller and faster, the continuous availability of new technology drives us to adapt. 20 years ago, email was in its infant stages, and over the past decade, it has grown into the dominant mode of communication; now considered an outdated mode of interaction (Helft, 2010). The adaptation will continue to happen, and this student views it as a run-away train that will be challenging to slow down let alone stop.

Reference

Abrams, R. (2010). Server down? You've just lost potential customers. USA Today. Retrieved on November 17, 2010 from http://www.usatoday.com/money/smallbusiness/columnist/abrams/2010-03-19-networks-key-for-small-business_N.htm

Helft, M. (2010). Facebook to start an e-mail service. NY Times. Retrieved on November 17, 2010 from http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/12/facebook-to-start-an-e-mail-service/

Maslow, A. (2000). The Maslow business reader. New York: Wiley.

Corporate Social Responsibility

In this week's article by Abbas J. Ali, Islamic perspectives on motivation and personality are discussed. This particular study is in contrast to most other research on the topic of humanistic theories on motivation. The author introduces a new theory that religion and spirituality can have a positive influence on organizational performance in the workplace.

What form will the organization take to address demands of corporate social responsibility? Consider stakeholder interests, inputs and outputs of materials, the distribution of power, executive accountability, and workplace well-being. How can you prepare your organization to anticipate the future? How can your organization develop the intelligence to prepare for change? Is contingency and scenario planning enough?

From what you have considered so far, can you imagine different? Can you imagine different rules, structures, processes, assumptions of managing, assumptions governing the distribution of power and rewards? Is it possible to change your current paradigm and create adaptations of what you know to what you don't know but think could be? What do you have to learn, and how should you go about learning, from the developing world, as well as our natural competitors in the developed world?

 

As a Muslim, this student has an understanding of Ali's theory behind religion and its impact on organizational performance in the work place. Islam teaches believers how to balance and organize their lives. This student in his management roles has applied some of the foundations of Islam, patience, understanding and caring to his management styles. Though there are endless management styles that he has not been exposed to, this approach has yielded a positive response.
Understanding the direction of an organization and anticipating the future can be done with the use of different tools. Though difficult to predict the unknown, the use of previous year's data and industry standards can help drive the direction of an organization. Business intelligence tools can help organizations and planners make decision based on the operational data (Negash, 2004). Understanding the business also requires the understanding of the employees. As Maslow stated, the motivation of human beings should be aligned with the business. Once this alignment is achieved, the success of each individual will lead to the success of the corporation (Maslow, 2000).
Considering what this student understands and reviewing Ali's article, the concept of utilizing goal orientation as part of their faith in Islam can be transcended into business (Ali, 2009). This student believes that managers must always explore different avenues, however the concept of religion in any organization as a form of management can prove challenging. Organizations employ different people with different faiths and belief's and the attempt to make a paradigm shift within a diverse organization can prove challenging. A foundation can be set with religious beliefs; however the manner in which the foundation is constructed must be neutral in order to prove functional within an organization.

References:

Ali, A. J. (2009). Levels of existence and motivation in Islam. Journal of Management History, 15(1), 50-65. November 1, 2010. doi:10.1108/17511340910921781

Maslow, A. (2000). The Maslow Business Reader. New York City: John Wiley &Sons, Inc.

Negash, S. (2004). Business Intelligence. Communication of the Association for Information Systems, 13, 177-195

External Threats and Opportunities

As a manager, you will act as an intermediary between the community of stakeholders and your organization. Part of your role as a manager, as well as your role as a doctoral thinker, is to address challenges that may arise from the organization, from stakeholders, or from external factors—be they environmental, cultural, or societal. For this Discussion, you should focus on big picture, higher-level approaches as noted below.

Given the current challenges facing the organization stemming from "environmental" pressures (in the broadest sense of the word), and from the historical-cultural traditions related to the country of your choosing today, identify processes and tools organizations' managers could use to address these challenges. Be sure to address how a manager can prepare for environmental contingencies through intra- and inter-organizational collaboration, where the individual manager functions at both an operational level and as a symbol and as a representative of the organization in society.

Communication within an organization has become an interregnal part of management. Stakeholders have become an influential part of business, when dealing with policies, decisions and procedures (Clutterbuck & Scholes, 1998). As a Director of Client Services, this student has developed several reports and presented data to stakeholder to obtain support for migration projects, new acquisitions and budget increases.

This student in his role as Director of Client services has used several tools to provide business intelligence to senior management and stakeholder. The use of a sustainability evaluation and reporting system provides an insight into quantitative and qualitative viewpoints of the organization for presentation to stakeholder (Perrini & Tenacati, 2006).

This student utilized purchased software to gather data and provide visualization-driven reporting, analysis and dashboard for assessment of the corporate goals. This tool provided census information for this student, in order to understand the environment of sales in different industries.

Critical information such as location of business, annual revenue, number of employees and organizational structure were all valid in identifying a target market. This student also created a database to track information of previous sales different customers, in order to identify a trend and compare purchasing patterns in different environmental conditions. The information from the tools provided management with the information to provide improvement to organizational goals and direction to stakeholder and shareholders.

The tools also modeled different environmental scenarios allowing the organization to determine the effects of individual sales associates on overall company production. The tools ability to predict the effect of a sales associate falling short of their yearly quota provided the organization with the ability to prepare a contingency plan for an unforeseen circumstance. The tools provided value to the organization in preparing them for the current economic climate in the United States. The ability to predict anticipated reduction in the budget from longtime customers and the decline of new business sales helped the organization adjust their annual numbers.

In order to enhance the relationship with stakeholders, organization can obtain feedback through surveys, involve stakeholder in understanding the criteria' needed to succeed, and invite opinions and comments in an open form (Clutterbuck & Scholes, 1998).

References

Clutterbuck, D & Scholes, E. (1998). Communication with stakeholders: An integrated approach. Long Range Planning, 31 p. 227-238.

Perrini, F & Tencati, A. (2006). Sustainability and stakeholder management: the need for new corporate performance evaluation and reporting systems. Business Strategy and Environment, 15 p. 296-308.

Societal Change and Sustainability

Globalization in its broadest sense has resulted in the utilization of all points on the compass as legitimate sources for material resources, assignment of processes, and destinations for finished products and services. The only boundaries are efficiency and profitability. However, new contingencies have arisen such as geopolitics and terrorism, the uneven responses in the local community to the impact of global forces; and, criticism of corporate activity is growing.

Because of the impact of increasing globalization, quality of life issues, the impact on lifestyles, and the uneven compatibility with the idea of progress, various issues deriving from equity/social justice arise. Examine and compare expectations of workers, local concepts of propriety, justice, and service, and their impact on the society and its economy.

Sustainable development is an idea set aside to help address concerns about environmental issues with socioeconomic issues (Hopwood El al, 2005). This student is in agreement with Victor (2006) about his statement of sustainable development becoming conventional wisdom. Sustainable development has fallen apart over the last two decades due to the political interference and influence of special interest groups (Victor, 2006).

The ideas Victor discusses are similar to the challenges faced by the World Social Form and World Economic form. The intentions of these groups are to help address globalization issues, many of these groups nonetheless are better at creating documents with ideas and costly budgets, than implementing a plan (Victor, 2006). Reviewing the World Social Forum, World Economic Forum, the United Nation and the World Trade Organization, shows these organizations as failing to deliver on their roles and require reevaluation (Tharoor, 2000).
Humans are dependent on their environment to address their needs and provide resources for daily living; the mix between the economy and the ecosystem is continuing to grow (Hopwood et al, 2005). The longer the struggle is to address the global poverty, the greater challenge to grow the economies of the less prosperous nations (Hopwood et al, 2005).

The sustainable development theory according to Victor can be repaired if taken from a full governance perspective rather, than have interest groups utilized their agenda to mediate the direction of the theory. In order to address the failure of sustainable development, the fundamentals of the theory have to be revisited. In order to implement sustainable development; organizations must address poverty, use local business to grow the country, while utilizing new technologies for growth (Victor, 2006). The implementation of these strategies will foster local growth and spin the wheels of economic growth.

Addressing global poverty can be accomplished through the use of the best polices and avoidance of the grand scheme idea. The student has viewed the impact of poverty on several West African countries, including Nigeria. Though the United Nations and other special interest groups have tried to address the issues, their policies and procedures have proved futile. Special interest groups such as the World Social Forum and the World Economic Forum have also tried to address poverty but to no avail (Victor, 2006).

The use of small and local business versus conglomerates in the impoverished nations encourages entrepreneurial minds and can grow the GDP of a country over time. Encouraging local business, without government interference, will allow for increased opportunities in different industries. These opportunities for business provide them the ability to challenge larger business in their environment and continue to grow (Hopwood et al, 2005).

This student while agreeing with Victor sees his point of view as challenging. The task of curing poverty around the world is a huge burden and financial strain on many. Victor dreams of a society where the concept of sustainable development are implemented, though, with corrupt leaders, politicians, and special interest groups, the possibilities are slim. Can we get through the hurdles to implement this theory?


References

Hopwood, B, Mellor, M & O'Brien, G. (2005). Sustainable Development: mapping different approaches. Sustainable Development. 13(1) p. 38

Tharorr, S. (2000). Does the UN still matter. Retrieved on October 12, 2010 from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/911171.stm

Victor, David G. "Recovering Sustainable Development." Foreign Affairs 85.1 (2006): 91. Expanded Academic ASAP. Retrieved on October 10, 2010 from http://find.galegroup.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/gtx/infomark.do?&contentSet=IAC-Documents&type=retrieve&tabID=T002&prodId=EAIM&docId=A142737343&source=gale&srcprod=EAIM&userGroupName=minn4020&version=1.0

Conceptions of Cultural Development and Change

The variety of cultures worldwide represents various approaches to life and well-being. Some developmental states are chosen, some are the result of circumstances, some are extensions of tradition, and most are determined by a combination of these factors. For this discussion, you will address practices and values in a cultural context:

• What dominant values and practices shape the varieties of human existence? How might you conceptualize the difference between the "Wall Street" vs. "Main Street" cultural divide that has played such a central role in mainstream American politics today? Alternatively, how would you characterize a cultural or socio-political divide in another country?
  

Conclude your posting by addressing your views on comparing the idea of "progress" in American culture and in one other culture. How do Americans and people in the other culture view the "future"?

As an individual, our values and characteristics are the prominent tools we refer to when making decisions (Schwartz & Bilsky, 1987). When applied to the business world, those value systems can impact the structure of an organization. Human emotion, when applied to business can often lead to negative results. When a manager assign's a project to a less qualified individual or a team refuses to apply a different methodology to a problem, those forms of emotion often lead to a delay or poor delivery on projects (Tsai & Young, 2009).

The economic challenges currently faced in America have caused a greater disagreement between Main Street and Wall Street. The financial crisis and rescue of several large corporations has led to a greater divide in the political community (Easton, 2008). Human emotion often influences the public opinion and thoughts; the recent economic problems have provided the proper avenue to draw a larger wedge between Main Street and Wall Street. Often political leaders draw on the emotions of the public to sway voters and solidify their points. "If they do not pass now, then heaven help us all," a direct quote from Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson about the need, to pass the economic stimulus (Easton, 2008).

This student's personal experience of as a native of Nigeria has provided remarkable insight into the cultural and political divide. The diverse religious and cultural environment in Nigeria routinely provides a strong influence into the governance of the country. The inability for different cultural backgrounds to accept officials from different cultural backgrounds has often led to civil war and rioting in Nigeria (Oguntola-Laguda, 2008).

Progress and the global change in both American and Nigeria can only improve through the influence of cultural values and change. The ability to manipulate voters through the use of emotions, and disagree on political issues based on cultural background continues to plague both American and Nigerian societies. This student resided in both countries for significant amounts of time and witnessed what corruption and greed, whichever way it is spun, destroys values and human existence.

References

Easton, N. (2008). Main street turns against wall street. CNN Money. Retrieved on September 30, 2010
from http://money.cnn.com/2008/09/26/news/economy/easton_backlash.fortune/index.htm


Oguntola-Laguda, D (2008). Politics and religion. Retrieved on September 30, 2010 from
http://www.politicsandreligionjournal.com/images/pdf_files/srpski/godina2_broj2/laguda.pdf
Schwart, S & Bilsky, W. (1987). Towards a universal psychological structure of human values. Journal of
personality and social psychology. 53(3) 550-562.

Tsai, M & Young, M. (2009). How emotions affect decision making, Cognition & Emotion, Retrieved
September 30, 2010 from http://www.strategy-business.com/article/09413d?gko=25b9b

Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory and Applications for Management

Background

This paper is a position paper on Ecological Systems Theory and the application of this theory to management practices. Presented are the critical aspects of Bronfenbrenner, an evaluation of Ecological Systems Theory, and applications of Ecological Systems Theory to management and organizational paradigms. The last point is bolstered through analyzing other theorists and their theories as compare and contrast with Ecological Systems Theory.

Ecological Systems Theory

Ecological Systems Theory originated in Urie Bronfenbrenner’s work during the 1940s on childhood and friendship patterns (Bronfenbrenner, 1995). Over several decades the foundations were laid, culminating in Ecological Systems Theory (Bronfenbrenner, 1999). “The ecological environment is conceived as a set of nested structures, each inside the next like a set of Russian dolls” (Bronfenbrenner, 1979). Within this structure are five layers arranged from the closest to the individual to the farthest: the microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem, and chronosystem (Bronfenbrenner, 1994). These systems have continuing impacts an individual’s development (Bronfenbrenner, 1999).

Evaluating Ecological Systems Theory

Ecological systems theory focuses upon the environmental aspects of development with a particular focus on youth (Bronfenbrenner, 1999). From an observer’s perspective, there is little the observer can do about an individual as framed by the microsystem aside from their individual interactions. Similarly, the macrosystem and chronosystem are too large for an observer to encompass. However, the macrosystem and chronosystem are interpretable through understanding various sociological, environmental, and time factors that influence an individual (Bronfenbrenner, 1994). Even in this example, Bronfenbrenner (1994) cautions that one needs to go “beyond the simple labels of class and culture to identify more specific social and psychological features at the macrosystem level…” (p. 40). The microsystem presents similar challenges, since one cannot understand all the different elements close to the individual that impact their development.

The mesosystems and exosystems are easier to observe, since they result from the interactions between other systems, such as between microsystems. The exosystem is the external influences upon the microsystem (Bronfenbrenner, 1994). An example would be a parent performing less effectively at work because of their child’s difficulty in school.

Bronfenbrenner’s focus upon development, particularly, in children makes application of ecological systems theory to adults somewhat more difficult than might otherwise occur. However, the analysis done by Bronfenbrenner (1994) demonstrates that factors, such as birth weight, mother’s education, and family situation impact childhood development. The concept of external factors influencing an individual makes sense. Lastly, understanding that the time one develops in, as well as the passage of time, both influence psychological development is an important concept.

Application of Ecological Systems Theory to Management

Numerous approaches have utilized Ecological Systems Theory to understand phenomena observed today. One study looked at dual-earner spouses and the impacts of employment and home life (Kulik & Rayyan, 2006). Another paper assesses impacts of changes to higher education by state governments (Poch, 2005). However, a search of databases such as Emerald Insight, Business Source Complete, ABI/INFORM complete, and PsychINFO show a lack of articles correlating Ecological Systems Theory or Bronfenbrenner with either management or leadership.

Instead, I believe that Bronfenbrenner’s theory is best applied in developing a manager’s understanding of individuals, actions, and interactions. In particular, understanding the mesosystem and exosystem can benefit managers through understanding sources of employee satisfaction or dissatisfaction. Kulik and Rayyan (2006) show in their research, that there is a correlation between job satisfaction, home satisfaction, and spousal support for dual-earner families. Pock (2005) used Ecological Systems Theory to create charts showing linkages between microsystems within the mesosystem and impacts of the mesosystem upon the mesosystem and vice versa. Similar analysis could be done to aid management.

As a brief example, a small business could be considered a mesosystem. Within it are the various individuals or the microsystem. Other impacts, such as competitors or participants in the supply chain are all exosystem impacts. The environment, such as the economy and government, in which these various subsystems exist, forms the macrosystem. An effective manager could understand these systems and use it to benefit the organization as a whole. It could occur through differing compensation schemes, understanding opposing businesses, or through regulatory affairs. Any of these applications impact the individuals in the organization.

Other Theorists

Other theorists support various levels of Bronfenbrenner’s theory. Chronosystem and macrosystem impacts are examined by Elder (1998) in his research. In particular he looks at temporal impacts for generations, such as major upheavals for countries including wars and economic turmoil (Elder, 1998). The chronosystem and macrosystem impacts then alter individual development. Bronfenbrenner (1999) considers the timing of events, as they occur within other activities during an individuals life, as important to overall development.

Maslow (2000) notes in his hierarchy of needs that individuals only can achieve self-actualization once other needs are met. Helping to determine the needs, such as safety or esteem can be understood through Ecological Systems Theory. As Maslow (2000) notes, “we all have all sorts of implicit axioms, truisms which we have taken for granted.” (p. 117). Bronfenbrenner would likely support this notion through the understanding that different cultures, either through time or geographic area, support different axioms or truisms (Bronfenbrenner, 1995).

Moral stages are impacted by the variances of culture, time, and other factors such as the family’s own morality. The stages of morality are defined by these other influences (Kohlberg & Hersh, 1977). Kohlberg and Hersh (1977) frame the stages of moral development within the framework of accepted cultural and familial norms. This corresponds with the individual development by the microsystem through the chronosystem (Bronfenbrenner, 1994).

Conclusion

Applying Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory to management and organizational applications is a challenge. I was unable to find any direct references to the application of the theory to these applications. However, simply because there has not been research directly related to management does not mean that the theory is either ill-suited or inapplicable to management. Instead, using Ecological Systems Theory provides a powerful tool to understand the influences upon a person’s life and how it influences other parts of their development. Similarly, it helps understand how broad aspects such as time or culture influence individual development. All of these factors can greatly impact a business, management, and an organization.

Elder, Kohlberg, and Maslow all provide theories or analysis that can be strengthened through the lens of Ecological Systems Theory, or aid in validating specific aspects of the theory. Although none of these other theories directly validate or disprove the application of Ecological Systems Theory, they were able to help me gain insight into different strengths and weaknesses of those theories. Although not yet in broad employment, I believe Ecological Systems Theory provides a valuable tool for scholars and practitioners to understand individual development in order to become more effective managers and leaders.

References

Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). A future perspective. In The ecology of human development: Experiments by nature and design (pp. 3-13). Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

Bronfenbrenner, U. (1994). Ecological models of human development. In International Encyclopedia of Education (2nd ed., Vol. 3, pp. 1643-1647). Oxford: Elsevier.

Bronfenbrenner, U. (1995). The bioecological model from a life course perspective: Reflections of a participant observer. In Examining lives in context: Perspectives on the ecology of human development (pp. 599-618). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/ehost/detail?vid=9&hid=9&sid=2ba7031e-152d-4702-a172-1ea5d6671ebb%40sessionmgr10&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#db=psyh&AN=1995-98394-018

Bronfenbrenner, U. (1999). Environments in developmental perspective: Theoretical and operational models. In Measuring environment across the life span : emerging methods and concepts (1st ed., pp. 3-28). Washington DC: American Psychological Association.

Elder, G. H. (1998). The life course as developmental theory. Child Development, 69(1), 1. doi:10.2307/1132065

Kohlberg, L., & Hersh, R. (1977). Moral development: A review of the theory. Theory into Practice, 16(2), 53-59.

Kulik, L., & Rayyan, F. (2006). Relationships between dual-earner spouses, strategies for coping with home–work demands and emotional well-being. Community, Work & Family, 9(4), 457-477. doi:10.1080/13668800600925100

Poch, S. (2005). Higher education in a box. International Journal of Educational Management, 19(3), 246-258. doi:10.1108/09513540510591020

Adaptation to the Pace of Change

The pace of our personal and professional lives seems to be getting faster by the day. In order to operate most efficiently, we must be prepared to change at a moment's notice. While it may increase our productivity in many ways, there are also negative aspects of change that we must expect and deal with.

Since change requires adaptation, the pressure on individuals to become ever more resilient is intense: speeding up processes, demanding 24/7 attention, depending upon and integrating technological shifts, elimination of slack leading to efficiencies but also stress, and the need for continuous personal education and development, we must ask, is it realistic? Can management and the workforce be as Proteus, the first shape shifter (from Greek mythology), and become all things to all challenges?

This student views the change as a process that we have accepted and that adaptation will continue to grow rapidly. Technology has grown a desire to obtain information at a rapid rate. Server down, or email outages in business can cause a business to lose customers and millions of revenue hourly (Abrams, 2010).

Society, through technology, has increased its demand for information, and individuals and organizations have adapted. We have moved from desktop to laptops, from laptops to net books, from net books to mobile phones. The transformation is happening at an alarming pace and continues to require humans to morph to accomplish the tasks technology helps them accomplish.

The hours of operation for individuals in the business world have shifted from 9-5 to 24/7. There is an expectation that email's prompt response on email's and the user of voice mails has become obsolete. The shift continues to happen; Facebook is now developing an E-Mail services that integrates our email, instant message, Facebook message and tweets into one view (Helft, 2010). So in answering the question of the workforce continues to shape shift, this student agrees that the change is inevitable. The integration of social networks with email services will increase the response time and enhance the communication medium.

Abraham Maslow describes the human beings desire to feed their need on different levels in order to obtain satisfaction (Maslow, 2000). Technology helps feed our need for smaller and faster, the continuous availability of new technology drives us to adapt. 20 years ago, email was in its infant stages, and over the past decade, it has grown into the dominant mode of communication; now considered an outdated mode of interaction (Helft, 2010). The adaptation will continue to happen, and this student views it as a run-away train that will be challenging to slow down let alone stop.

Reference

Abrams, R. (2010). Server down? You've just lost potential customers. USA Today. Retrieved on November 17, 2010 from http://www.usatoday.com/money/smallbusiness/columnist/abrams/2010-03-19-networks-key-for-small-business_N.htm

Helft, M. (2010). Facebook to start an e-mail service. NY Times. Retrieved on November 17, 2010 from http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/12/facebook-to-start-an-e-mail-service/

Maslow, A. (2000). The Maslow business reader. New York: Wiley.

Examining Management Theory

Contingency theory discusses the idea that the best way to manage an organization is to have a plan that is dependent upon the surrounding environment. Many Risk Managers who work to implement a contingency plan are often limited by the structure of their firm (McDonald, 2010). The contingency theory at this student firm is one that has been refined through the years. Management has found it necessary with the diversity of the sales team to handle each individual sale on a case by case basis. Though many of the transactions and projects are of similar size and scope the ever changing clientele base requires the management team to size up each opportunity differently. According to McDonald, "Though changes are not as easily implemented as planed," several firms prepare with the intentions of addressing the risk potentially faced in their industry. The management team at this students firm decided that the most successful way to handle the situation is to deal on a case by case basis. Most recently two customers were making an acquisition of the same technology, however both were negotiated with differently. On one hand management made sure the customer was satisfied, however Customer 1 was satisfied with an extension on their payment terms, while Customer 2 was satisfied with a credit on future purchases. Both decision though effective required different leadership styles with customer 1 an aggressive approach was needed while with customer 2 it was passive. The firm understands that each customer must be handled with a different style and that though the technology they acquire are similar their use and the characteristics of each organization is vastly different.

References

McDonald, C. (2009), How sound is your firms Disaster Contingency Plan, National Underwriter.