Management Theory

Chapter 2: Current Trends and the Changing Context of

Management

Learning Objectives

Understand the basic concepts of several current trends in management

Explore three forces that are changing the context for managerial work today

Current Trends in Management

Quality Management Systems Thinking Learning Organizations Knowledge Management Entrepreneurship Physical & Emotional Health

Total Quality Management

“TQM” - W. Edwards Deming Continuous improvement Focus on customer Relentless attention to quality (rather than

cost or productivity)

Systems Thinking

See the “whole” rather than the parts:– interrelationships vs. things– processes vs. snapshots

Recognize the problems of dynamic complexity:– cause and effect are often not closely related in time or space– consequences of actions are often not obvious to participants

Seek leverage points:– Small, well-focused actions can produce significant, long-lasting

improvements

Look for enduring solutions vs. popular quick fixes:– Today’s problems often come from yesterday’s “solutions”

Systems Thinking Tools

Systems archetypes– Certain types of systemic structures tend to

recur – By mapping your system, you can identify the

archetype– This enables you to find the leverage points

(and therefore long-term solutions) for the situation you face

Learning Organizations

Organizations that learn can deliberately adapt, change and grow rather than just react

All members of the organization take an active role in identifying and resolving work-related issues

Investment in the ongoing training and development of employees

Knowledge Management

The deliberate approach to systematically managing information in an organization– gather– store– access– share

Entrepreneurship

New business start-ups– within or outside of existing organizations

Physical & Emotional Health

Focus on the whole person/work-life balance

Employee health centers Workplace spirituality

Factors Affecting the Changing Context of Managerial Work

Changing Workforce Demographics– Age, gender, race/ethnicity, culture

Technology– Alters what work is done, how work is done,

when work is done and where work is done Globalization

Summary

As we enter the second century of management theory, we see several trends affecting how management is practiced

At least three driving forces are changing the context for managerial work

What’s Next?

Lab reports due Friday We will review information for Monday’s

exam