MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND PROCESSES

Objectives

·         to develop familiarity with various types of systems and processes involved in managing an organization

·         to understand the concept of a system and learn what the management information system is

·         to develop an understanding about the necessity of each managerial process and its logical sequencing in relation to the other processes.

·         to identify the major elements of each process

 

You know the various responsibilities and tasks expected of you as a manager. Now you have to get down to the nitty-gritty of actually performing all these tasks and discharging you responsibilities. For this you must understand the various systems and processes involved in managing. It does not matter whether you manage a private company, a public sector company, or even a non-commercial organization. The essentials of managing remain the same.

 

In this unit we began by introducing the systems concept and see how it can be applied to organizations. We then move to the all important concept of management information systems and examine it in detail. Later on we shall take up for discussion the management processes of planning, controlling, organizing, Motivating, leading and decision-making.

RESPONSIBILITY OF A PROFESSIONAL MANAGER

As a part of our talk on role of manager we have already talked on so many important factors and role. Those are belonging to society segment like professional management, manager role, quality management, product management etc… Today we are going to talk on another factor which is also play a important role between the company and consumer and that is the professional manager. 

Your responsibilities a manager arise out of the various social interactions in which your firm is engaged in the pursuit of its business. You may be directly involved in these as in the case of interactions with employees, shareholders, customers, etc. where the interaction is based on a fair and obvious exchange of money, goods and services. The interaction can also be indirect as in case of interaction with society where both the firm and society impinge upon and affect each other in hundreds of different ways. For example a blinds company hires professional manager to bridge for selling of their roman shades and vertical blinds products with the customer. That manager is supposed to keep relation between their clients and company.

A firm which wants to maintain a positive image in the society must assume and discharge with utmost sincerity its social responsibility. Gone are the days when firms confined themselves solely to running their business without a thought for the society in which they existed. Today every firm, big or small, is expected to make its contribution towards a better quality of life for the entire society. Big companies are having their own philanthropy or trust to help needy people.

RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS SOCIETY-2

Manager have much to learn by emulating the example of Indian Petrochemicals Corporation Limited (IPCL), a government undertaking, which is playing a very positive and active role in fulfilling its social responsibility.

A truly responsible manager not only takes steps to prevent or minimize any negative impact of his firm’s operations on the society, but also takes the initiative in playing a more positive role towards society. Tata Steel’s attempts at educating people about leprosy through advertisements in newspapers and magazines is an example of the useful and constructive role firms can play in creating a more harmonious society. Many companies have founded educational institutions and free medical facilities for the benefit of society at large. Irrespective of the motivation behind such acts, the result is a tangible benefit for use by all society members.

In times of calamities such as earthquakes and floods, many companies finance teams of doctors and rescue workers for relief work. In our aim towards a peaceful and prosperous society we need business firms who are willing to step our of the narrow confines of their offices into the larger arena of society and take bold decisive actions to create a better quality of life for all of us

RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS SOCIETY-1

The pattern and extent of rainfall is changing, leading to frequent droughts in widespread areas. Rare species of animals, birds and plants have become extinct in the wake of the destruction of their natural habitat. People are deprived of their traditional means of livelihood and the rich cultural heritage is destroyed for ever.

All this does not imply that there should be no factories, industry or no economic development. Certainly we need development, economic as well as ecological and environmental. The solution lies in matching economic development with development of the environment. When a firm puts up its factory it must also install a plant for treating and disposing of its industrial waste. When timber merchant cuts 15 trees he must plant at least that many new saplings. Offices who want to use roller shades and woven wood shades and other blinds it looks good if they plan that many new plants in their areas. Nature’s resources are limited. When we consume them faster than they can be replenished or provided anew, it is our responsibility to ensure that our children inherit a world which is healthy, green and safe for all living creatures. 

It is your responsibility as a manager to make sure that the operations of your firm do not in any way obstruct, disturb, disrupt or destroy physical structures (historical buildings, monuments), the flora and fauna, and animal and human life.