Relationship Between Strategic Management and Leadership

Relationship Between Strategic Management and Leadership The objective of this essay is to analyze the relationship between strategic management and leadership in an organization, to discuss its link as well as the impact and how leadership styles are adapted specifically in HM (Hennes and Mauritz). 1.1.1 The link between Management and Leadership Strategic management and good leadership play an important role in meeting the organisations objective. The management is linked to processes and structures of the organization while the leadership is to the vision and values of the organization. According to Buhler, (2001), leadership is more focused on revitalizing individuals performance. Management, on the other hand, is more absorbed on checking their performance levels. The keys of any successful organization are the quality of its management and leadership skills. In a fast changing world, organizations are increasingly dependent on good management and leadership style to improve their business which somehow supports organizational productivity. 1.1.2 Strategic Management As per Parthasarthy, (2007), strategic management is a series of long-term decisions and actions taken by managers in which they select and implement strategies with a purpose of building the firms strengths through market positioning and/or accumulation of internal resources that will give the firm an advantage over rivals. Strategic management is said to be an area in an organization which deals with the major intended and emergent initiatives taken by managers on behalf of policy makers. It is mostly about the processes. 1.1.3 Leadership Drucker, (1986), refers leadership as a lifting of peoples vision to a higher sight, the raising of their performance to a higher standard, the building of their personality beyond its normal limitations. As per Parthasarthy, (2007), leadership broadly refers to the ability of managers to conceive an inspiring vision, formulate goals, articulate them, and successfully guide a firm toward the envision future. 1.2 Case Study ( HM, Hennes and Mauritz) HM is well known as a successful and expansive Swedish fashion group. Today, it operates in 38 countries and has 76,000 employees throughout Europe, North America and Asia. The company offers a range of clothing, cosmetic, footwear and accessories for men, women, children and teenagers as stated in Ideas and Thoughts, (2009). The business runs by strong values as commercial mindset, simplicity, constant improvement, cost consciousness and entrepreneurship. The CEO of HM is Mr. Stefan Persson (born 4.10.1947), since 1982 Mr. Stefan has been the main shareholder of HM. In 2010, he is second richest person in Sweden and 13th richest person in the world. In 2009 his son Mr. Karl-Johan Persson took over as president and CEO of HM. The management strategy is linked with its leader, CEO of HM. So far the vision of leadership is implemented with certain strategies to increase 10-15% in the number of stores every year, which would be founded internally. The aim is to increase sales in existing stores, while focusing on quality and continued profitability, 1.2.1 The impact of management and leadership styles on strategic decision. The objective of HM is fashion and quality at the best price. As per stated by Ideas and Thoughts, (2009), HM focuses on three main aspects of business concept which are: Price Control, this means, the company is constraining the number of merchants purchasing in bulk, depending on the massive proficiency in the design, the company is also ensuring to obtain goods the best production markets, and being conscious of the cost at all times while preserving the best distribution manufacturers. Design Control, merchandise are designed within the company and manufacturing is totally contract out. Quality Control, the management is focused with the essentiality of the quality with wide-ranging testing and making sure of the least nature damage. As a leading company of fashion and retail business they always have to boost their business strategy among the competitors. The strategy of HM has been developing along with continuous business expansion, price competitiveness and profitability and reduction of lead time. In terms of expansion, the company has expanded largely around 2,000 stores in the recent years and they also extended in business like home wares and online shopping store. Talking about price competitiveness, HM do business with right merchandise from the right production markets, being cost-conscious at all levels and maintaining effective distribution producers. Hence, quality products are be sold in an affordable price that can always beat the competitors while making profit. Furthermore, HM is using IT system to control sales and the stocks, for the company to react quickly whenever new trends are identified and to avoid procurement of goods which are not appreciated by the market. Likewise, HM relies on effi cient and integrated systems for inventory management which have been able to reduce lead times while ensuring sufficient stock management. HM is leading the way in following a strategy of vertical integration with distribution network. This strategy has allowed the company to directly collect and fully exploit information about sales and customers in order to improve and accelerate response to the market. ((www.ebusinesswatch.org,2004) In my own understanding, management and leadership strategies play a vital role in reaching the vision of the organization. Without the effective implementation of those would make the company paralyzed and unproductive. 1.2.2 Adaptation of Leadership Styles on different situation HM management is performing a democratic leadership wherein staffs are encouraged to be involved in any activities pertaining to achieving a certain goal. In addition, open communication is present between the management and the staffs that would somehow break some grudges with one another. As part of it, meetings and trainings for both business and personal development with provided feedbacks for ones improvement are also practiced. HM is committed to providing a workplace environment that offers employees opportunities to express their initiative and ideas. Team work, communication, respect and sharing of the responsibilities make the workplace unique and empowering. (HM UK,2008) Through the business strategies of HM, the organization continues to grow up and leading as one of the top worldwide fashion and retail business. The management of HM is comprehensible and determined to achieve the objective which is to be a leader in fashion and retail world for long. 1.3 Conclusion Strategic Management and Leadership play an essential part of the organization. Having strategies without good leadership is worthless. I believe that strategies are formulated and be implemented by the management with good leadership to fulfil the vision of the organization and for the purpose of productivity that would somehow makes the organization liquid. With the vision of being the leader in fashion retail, HM always consider the values that they are keeping like, the fast pace constant improvement, common sense, initiative, believing in people, being straightforward, cost conscious and teamwork. These values served as a guideline for them to work harmoniously without forgetting how to be effective and efficient individuals. It is my recommendation that HM should continue to provide motivation and incentive packages to all the employees for them to have more spirit to work effectively for the benefit of the organization. Sources of references Printed sources HM(2008) Employee handbook UK , UK, HM. Online Sources Books.google.com(n.d.)Strategic Management[online].Retrieved from; http://books.google.com/books?id=hwbDM4HFFOECprintsec=frontcoverdq=strategic+managementhl=enei=HN_OTMLlGo2LswaJ1bWXCAsa=Xoi=book_resultct=resultresnum=8ved=0CFsQ6AEwBw#v=onepageqf=false[Accessed on 1 November 2010] Books.google.com(n.d.)Leadership Definition[online].Retrieved from; http://books.google.com/books?id=eB4rxmscLsCpg=PA62dq=leadership+definitionhl=enei=mbnpTJOSOpKShAfFuAPsa=Xoi=book_resultct=bookthumbnailresnum=8ved=0CFIQ6wEwBw#v=onepageq=leadership%20definitionf=true [Accessed on 22 November 2010] Megaessays.com(n.d.)Management and Leadership Essay[online].Retrieved from; http://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/18722.html[Accessed on 22November2010] Ideasthoughts.erruppackal.com(2009)Hennes and Mauritz(HM),An HRM case study[online].Retrieved from; http://ideasthoughts.erruppackal.com/2009/09/hennes-mauritz-hm-an-hrm-case-study/[Accessed on 22 Nov 2010] Ebusinesswatch.com(2004)Hennes and Mauritz case study[online].Retrieved from;http://www.ebusinesswatch.org/studies/case_studies/documents/Case%20Studies%202004/CS_SR01_Textile_2-HM.pdf[Accessed on 22Nov2010]

Measure for Measure Essay: Lord Angelos Hypocrisy -- Measure for Meas

Lord Angelo's Hypocrisy in Measure for Measure      Ã‚   Within ‘Measure for Measure’ Shakespeare presents the notion that mankind's corruption is not necessarily born by power, but rather already innate in humanity. Shakespeare argues that power is not a producer of corruption by presenting the Duke, who holds the most power, as a moral hero, and conversely revealing the corruption of the powerless class (through characters like, Pompey, Mistress Overdone, and Barnadine).   Shakespeare uses Lord Angelo in Measure for Measure to show that corruption is innate within mankind whilst Angelo is a symbolism for pharisaical fanaticism in the play.       It's interesting to note that Lord Angelo's name evokes an image of purity and holiness.   Names are given at birth, and the idea that he is called angelic from the start, would argue against this doctrine of innate depravity.   But, as Shakespeare argues, it's a name that can't be lived up to because of natural passions and lusts, which ultimately leads to Angelo's hypocrisy.   The play opens up not only dressing up Angelo with a pure name, but also as a puritanical deputy, who has been "elected" to enforce the laws while the Duke is away.   This idea of "election" not only signifies the political decree of Vienna, but also a Pauline doctrine that relates to men and angels.    Angelo has done an efficient job at fooling people into believing that he is incapable of natural vices. When the Duke announces the decision to give Angelo authority, Escalus, the good lord, applauds the choice: "If any in Vienna be of worth, To undergo such ample grace and honor, It is Lord Angelo". Angelo has done such an efficient job he has even fooled the lower class into thinking that he is pu... ...ne of Shakespeare's solution to this innate problem is not to run off and join a monastery (or a convent, as Isabella attempts to do); but rather to accept the inborn human vices and try to lead good lives in spite of them.    Works Cited and Consulted: Black, James. "The Unfolding of Measure for Measure." Shakespeare Survey 26 (1973): 119-28. Leech, Clifford. "The 'Meaning' of Measure for Measure." Shakespeare Survey 3 (1950): 69-71. New American Standard Bible. Reference ed. Chicago: Moody Press, 1975. Shakespeare, William. Measure for Measure. The Arden Shakespeare. Ed. J.W. Lever. London: Routledge, 1995. Thomas, Vivian.   The Moral Universe of Shakespeare's Problem Plays.   London: Croom Helm, 1987. Wilders, John.   "The Problem Comedies."   In Wells, Stanley, ed.   Shakespeare: Select Bibliographical Guides.   London: Oxford UP, 1973. Measure for Measure Essay: Lord Angelo's Hypocrisy -- Measure for Meas Lord Angelo's Hypocrisy in Measure for Measure      Ã‚   Within ‘Measure for Measure’ Shakespeare presents the notion that mankind's corruption is not necessarily born by power, but rather already innate in humanity. Shakespeare argues that power is not a producer of corruption by presenting the Duke, who holds the most power, as a moral hero, and conversely revealing the corruption of the powerless class (through characters like, Pompey, Mistress Overdone, and Barnadine).   Shakespeare uses Lord Angelo in Measure for Measure to show that corruption is innate within mankind whilst Angelo is a symbolism for pharisaical fanaticism in the play.       It's interesting to note that Lord Angelo's name evokes an image of purity and holiness.   Names are given at birth, and the idea that he is called angelic from the start, would argue against this doctrine of innate depravity.   But, as Shakespeare argues, it's a name that can't be lived up to because of natural passions and lusts, which ultimately leads to Angelo's hypocrisy.   The play opens up not only dressing up Angelo with a pure name, but also as a puritanical deputy, who has been "elected" to enforce the laws while the Duke is away.   This idea of "election" not only signifies the political decree of Vienna, but also a Pauline doctrine that relates to men and angels.    Angelo has done an efficient job at fooling people into believing that he is incapable of natural vices. When the Duke announces the decision to give Angelo authority, Escalus, the good lord, applauds the choice: "If any in Vienna be of worth, To undergo such ample grace and honor, It is Lord Angelo". Angelo has done such an efficient job he has even fooled the lower class into thinking that he is pu... ...ne of Shakespeare's solution to this innate problem is not to run off and join a monastery (or a convent, as Isabella attempts to do); but rather to accept the inborn human vices and try to lead good lives in spite of them.    Works Cited and Consulted: Black, James. "The Unfolding of Measure for Measure." Shakespeare Survey 26 (1973): 119-28. Leech, Clifford. "The 'Meaning' of Measure for Measure." Shakespeare Survey 3 (1950): 69-71. New American Standard Bible. Reference ed. Chicago: Moody Press, 1975. Shakespeare, William. Measure for Measure. The Arden Shakespeare. Ed. J.W. Lever. London: Routledge, 1995. Thomas, Vivian.   The Moral Universe of Shakespeare's Problem Plays.   London: Croom Helm, 1987. Wilders, John.   "The Problem Comedies."   In Wells, Stanley, ed.   Shakespeare: Select Bibliographical Guides.   London: Oxford UP, 1973.

Impact of Globalization in Africa Essay

Globalization is the global interconnectedness of economic activities. It is characterized by new technologies, new structures, new economies and new cultures. All these are structured around global financial flows that are based of computer simulations and speculations. The resulting global economy is very turbulent due to non-linear feedbacks and it is easily influenced by political events and influential analysts’ projections. These is seen when there is instability in the stock markets in certain countries like the United States of America. The instability affects all other stock markets in the world. But is globalization global? The global economy sees some areas as invaluable and politically irrelevant and often such areas are excluded from this global economy. The idea of globalization was conceived by leading capitalist countries, global financial institutions (World Bank, International Monetary fund (IMF) and World Trade Organization (WTO)) and transnational co-operat ions. The minds behind this idea of globalization thought that this was one way of improving the livelihoods everybody in the globe but as we shall see later on, the models used to come up with globalization had major loop holes. Global information communications and new technologies have played a big role facilitating globalization. This is through the computers, Internet and mobile phones. This has made business transactions easy such that by the click of a button, a lot of money circulates around the globe. New innovations have resulted in increased productivity and competition. These technological advances have lowered the costs of transport and communication. Computers have made it possible to handle large amounts of data in a short time and information storage and retrieval has been made very easy. On a positive note, the new technologies have in one way or another helped in growth of economics  through sharing of ideas. On the other hand, these advances in technology have led to homogenization of cultures. Globalization has increased the profits and productivity of multinational corporations. With free trade rules, some few people, the global elite has become richer and others who are the majority have become poorer. The free trade rules has enabled multinational companies invest their money in emerging economies and removing their money once they speculate that that economy is not doing well. This has wrecked the economies of many countries. Another issue is that this big multinationals have swallowed the small companies leading to losses of jobs. Capra, 2002, in his book ‘hidden connections’ says that most of these multi national companies always try to evade taxes and benefit from subsidies. As a result, their products are cheap and this outcompetes the local companies, which can result in more job losses. But on the other hand, globalization can become a scapegoat for failed national policies. Embezzlement and mismanagement of public resources and corruption deeply rooted in some countries should not be blamed on globalization. In any case, a government should be able to provide the needs of its people. According to the 2002 report on the international forum on globalization, the free trade rules set by the World trade organization consolidate power to a small corporate elite. Globalization has erased political and economic boundaries such that power has shifted from the people and communities to financial speculators, global corporations and leading capitalist countries. As a result, currency markets have made governments unable to control their economic policies because it is this markets that determine the values of national currency. According to Capra 2002, large economies are able to absorb these turbulences but for developing countries, this is a big problem. This financial crisis has led to developing countries to seek for aid and as a result, they have sunk to end less debts. It is important to note that aid is basically a tool for manipulating developing countries. It is important to note that in globalization, capital is global while  labour is local. This means that the globalized capital has the economic power leaving labour disintegrated. Labour itself can be divided into professionals and unskilled workers. Globalization seems to favour the professional laborers while the unskilled laborers can be fired anytime. This has led to social inequality and polarization. Many jobs nowadays are on contract basis and forming labor organizations to bargain for better working conditions is not easy because of fear of loosing jobs. People working in multinational companies operating in their countries fear bargaining for better terms of employment because they fear loosing jobs as the company can move to another country. As a result, people have to put up with poor working conditions and wages. Increased trade as a result of free trade by the World Trade organization has led to increased pollution of the environments. Trade has also resulted to introduction of invasive alien species to new environments. From the ecological perspective, trade, which has increased in the recent past, is the major route in which invasive alien species are introduced to new environments. According to the Convention for Biodiversity, invasive alien species are the major causes for the loss of biodiversity. The environmental impacts are heavily felt in the countries in the south. The free market idea by the World Trade Organization has resulted in constant search for access to natural resources, and this has led to so much pressure on the Earth’s limited natural resources. Another bit is the destruction of the environment, which has led to floods, droughts and other catastrophes. Increased shipping has lead to pollution of waterways. Globalization has also favored monoculture to enhance a nation’s competitiveness in the global market. This has put more pressure on the limited natural resources and use of chemicals to enhance production, which further exacerbates the problem of pollution. Globalization has also penetrated into power and politics. Most of these multinational companies and lobby groups normally finance political candidates in countries of interest  so that if the person gets into power, he/ she may create favorable conditions for their activities. So in a way, these companies and lobby  groups control a country’s economy. Rise of globalized criminal gangs is another problem that stems out of globalization. Boosted by easy communication networks, criminals have found it easy to conduct their businesses. Recently, a drug cartel involving Mexicans, Kenyans and the Dutch was uncovered and this is a classic example of criminal gangs operating on a global scale. WAY OUT. With Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) press release of 2010 estimating that 925 million around the globe are undernourished, something must be wrong somewhere. As already noted, globalization is to blame social inequalities which can be seen from the widening gap between the rich and the poor. Borrowing from title of the first annual World Social Forum held in Porto Alegre in Brazil, another world is possible. First, change should first start with the ruling elite. With the help of international nongovernmental organizations there should be a power transformation from the global elite to the human society. These global elites together with World Bank, IMF and World Trade Organization should be more transparent in decision-making. In is also very important to include various non-governmental organizations representing interests of social justice, human rights environmental interests and democracy in the decisionmaking processes. Most of the countries affected by globalization are developing countries and most of these countries have very huge debts. It seems impossible for these developing countries to put tight rules on international organizations in order to protect the local companies. But with the help on lobby groups, it is possible for government to remove subsidies and exemptions offered to these multinational corporations. These multinational corporations should also be held responsible for any wrongdoing like destruction of the environment. Cancellation of debts will help developing countries grow economically but these countries too should have leaders who are accountable to the citizens. On that note, corruption and lobbying should be dealt with at every level. This is to ensure fair competition of business deals. It is important to empower workers so that they can bargain for better working conditions. National governments can also protect their people by defining working conditions to investors setting up enterprises in the country. Finally, it is important we practice ecological sustainability. Proper waste disposal, use of alternative fuel sources (scientifically proven to be sustainable), efficient and ecofriendly technologies, sustainable farming practices and strict environmental practices are some of the ways of making the world sustainable. The most important part of sustainability is educating everybody on the importance of conserving the environment so it’s important to take environmental movements deep down to the grass roots. Remember, it starts with me and you and the future generations will be thanking all of us. REFERENCES A better world is possible: Alternatives to Economic globalization Report summary 2002 International forum on Globalization. Capra fritjof, 2002. The hidden connections Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations: Economic and Social Development report, September 2010 http://anticap.wordpress.com/2011/03/14/what-globalization-paradox/ (Website I downloaded the cover picture).

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