Management at a Company
Explore the role a manager has in change management and decision making. To start, choose one of the following companies:
• Southwest Airlines.
• Walmart.
• Apple.
Use Basic Search: Strayer University Online Library and the Internet to research the selected company from its inception to current operations, focusing on how they have changed their management style.
Instructions
Write a 5–6 page paper in which you:
1. Evaluate two key changes in the selected company’s management style from the company’s inception to today.
o Indicate whether you believe the company is properly managed now.
o Provide support for your position.
2. Explain how the company prepared for its most recent change.
o Provide evidence of whether the transition was seamless or problematic from a management perspective.
o Provide support for your rationale.
3. Evaluate management’s decision on its use of vendors and spokespersons.
o Indicate the organizational impact of these decisions.
o Include enough detail to support your conclusions.
4. Suggest one innovative idea, as a manager within the selected company, that could have a positive effect on both employees and customers.
o Indicate the approach you will take in implementing the new idea.
o Provide support for your suggestion.
5. Predict the selected company’s ability to adapt to the changing needs of customers and the market environment.
o Provide support for your prediction.
6. Describe how open communication channels will be critical for successfully implementing the changes you recommend in the organization.
o Provide examples supporting your rationale.
7. Use at least three sources to support your writing. Choose sources that are credible, relevant, and appropriate. Cite each source listed on your source page at least one time within your assignment. For help with research, writing, and citation, access the
Sample Solution
Since its inception, Southwest Airlines has undergone two key changes in its management style. Initially, the company was known for its hierarchical structure which valued individual leadership and authority (Robbins et al., 2017). However, over time this model shifted towards a more collaborative approach where employees are encouraged to work as a team and share ideas (Robbins et al., 2017). This change enabled the airline to become more customer-centric by allowing staff to better identify problems with operational processes or service levels. Additionally, Southwest has moved away from traditional departmental silos in favor of cross-functional teams that can provide rapid responses to customer needs in order to improve the overall customer experience (Robbins et al., 2017). These changes have been crucial for the airline’s success as they have allowed it to remain competitive within an increasingly crowded market while continuing to meet customers’ expectations.
