Review of literature on employee management

Review of literature on employee management Management is not only about managing resources and controlling expenses. Although these are basic functions of management, theres more to management than just managing resources and controlling expenses. Another extremely important function of management is the ability to manage employees especially since they are the lifeline of any business. Given the downturn in the economy, many businesses have not only been forced to lay off employees, but theyve also been forced to close their doors due to a lack in demand. However, there are also businesses that have capitalized on the downturn of the economy to reduce overhead and increase employee productivity even if the need does not exist. This can certainly be a temporary fix, but squeezing everything out of employees does not appear to be the solution for long term business success. With that in mind, this paper will dive into some of the common management issues that businesses and leaders face today such as; the effects of poor lead ership, not motivating employees effectively, and not being able to manage conflict appropriately. Based on the study of these management issues, the study concludes that poor leadership can result in not providing proper direction and/or guidance to your employees to meet company goals, not motivating employees can result in a decrease in employee productivity, and not managing conflict can lead to low morale and even a belief of inequality among the workgroup if issues are not handled properly. Further research would be appropriate to explore solutions to these issues. Employee Management Issues Given the fact that every person and employee is different, managing employees effectively continues to be one of the most common management issues that businesses face in this demanding world of business. Businesses can certainly hire employees that have great credentials and impressive resumes. However, managing employees and addressing management issues effectively is just as important as hiring employees with the proper experience and education in order to establish a good employee base that will be instrumental for future success. With the above in mind, this study will focus on several employee management issues such as the effects of (a) poor leadership, (b) not motivating employees effectively, and (c) not being able to manage conflict appropriately. Review of related literature Poor leadership Employees not only need guidance from their managers or leaders, but they also need to know that they will be there to help them when they need them or to help put things back on the right track. Leadership need not imply that a leader is, by nature, wise, and inspirational. Darker forces sometimes drive leaders as well as their followers. Bad leadership is as ubiquitous as it is insidious (Kellerman, 2007, Pg 17). Kellerman (2007) further points out that, like good leaders, bad leaders are characterized by traits such as intelligence, high energy, strong drive for power and achievement, decisiveness, and determination. Bad leaders have a skill set that ranges from being good at communicating to being good decision making. Kellerman (2007) also describes bad leaders as, incompetent, rigid, intemperate, callous, corrupt, insular, and evil (Kellerman, 2007, Pg. 17). McGowan (2010) also notes, Leadership cant lead if it cant see (McGowan, 2010, Pg. 3). Many leaders/managers are not successful due to their authoritative leadership styles, resulting in increased communication gap with their employees. Such leaders are unable to earn the respect and loyalty of their employees, who simply follow their orders because of their authority. Accordingly, there is a greater possibility of turnover and absenteeism by the valuable workforce (Ahmed, Shields, White,  Ã‚  Wilbert, 2010, Pg. 108). Fowlie Wood (2009) further illustrate from one of their studies that, bad leadership equates to a lack of self-management and relationship management competencies (Fowlie Wood, 2009, Pg. 568). Lack of communication and guidance from management simply exacerbates existing or potential problems. As a result, this could then leave the employees feeling like no one is listening and the relationship between employees and management starts deteriorating. Poor motivation Once the relationship between employees and management starts to deteriorate, this can then lead to motivational issues. Managers need to realize that every employee is different. Some employees prefer to work independently while others like the continued feedback and support from their leaders. As Lazenby (2008) notes, a one-size-fits-all apprach to employee motivation doesnt work. Challenges that motivate one person might actually discourage another. Some individuals seem to have a high need for praise and recognition, even when their work is mediocre; others dont seem to care about those things (Lazenby, 2008, Pg. 22). As Lazenby (2008) further points out, People are different, and we need to master the skills needed to motivate different people (Lazenby,2008, Pg. 23). While some employees might be motivated by monetary rewards, managers also need to be aware that motivation could also depend on the age of the employee. Although one might not think that age is a factor when it comes to motivating workers it actually is. Younger employees tend to be more motivated by monetary rewards and older employees are generally motivated by other factors. As Kauffman (1987) points out, aging, in itself, does not lead to mental impairment, such as memory loss or a breakdown in intellect. They [older workers] may no longer be striving for top pay; they may see the need for better balance between work life and home life; their children may be self-supporting and their monetary needs are no longer a driving force (Kauffman, 1987, Pg. 43). Not motivating employees can then lead to inter-departmental or departmenta l conflict especially if employees believe inequality exists. Not managing conflict appropriately Conflict in the workplace is not always a bad thing. However, conflict thats not managed properly can certainly lead to bigger problems. Occasional conflict, if managed appropriately, can lead to creativity, better decision-making, and improved results. However, too much conflict can lead to a decrease in performance and group cohesion (Sikes, Gulbro, Shonesy, 2010, Pg. 48). Assael (1969) further notes that, constructive conflict results in improved communications between organizations, allowing for legitimate differences of interests and beliefs to emerge (Assael, 1969, Pg. 578). Culture wars can occur when the beliefs and habits of one cultural group come to dominate the norms of the workplace, making it difficult for members of other groups to be included, understood, and to attain success (Turner, 2007, Pg. 244). If conflict is not managed properly the results can ultimately affect the companys bottom line. They can substantially impact the vital organizational objective of serving customers (Tjosvold, Dann, Wong, 1992, Pg. 1). It is generally agreed by the organization theorists that organizational conflict should be managed rather than resolved to enhance individual, group, and system wide effectiveness. The management of organizational conflict involves the diagnosis of and intervention in conflict at intrapersonal, interpersonal, intragroup, and intergroup levels (Rahim, Afzalur, Garrett, Buntzman, 1992, Pg. 423-424). Rahim, Afzalur, Garrett, Buntzman further point out that, the difference between resolution and management of conflict is more than semantic. Conflict resolution implies reduction or elimination of conflict, whereas the management of conflict does not necessarily imply reduction or elimination of conflict (Rahim, Afzalur, Garrett, Buntzman, 1992, Pgs. 423-424). Conflict is almost certain to occur in work teams due to the fact that they are comprised of different people possessing different perceptions, personalities, and behaviors. Although incredibly effective, work teams may stumble upon barriers which must be overcome to allow for growth and continuation towards the common goals of the group. Unfortunately conflict cant be managed by walking away. You have to tackle the issue and, the important takeaway is not necessarily knowing how to eliminate conflict all together, but to eliminate the problems before they begin or be prepared to deal with the conflict as it is presented (Sikes, Gulbro, Shonesy, 2010, Pg. 48). Conclusion Employee management issues can have adverse effects to any business and ultimately to their bottom line. Furthermore, unaddressed issues and/or poor leadership tend to have a rippling effect that can start with one employee and work its way through departments or even entire companys if not addressed accordingly. Not managing employees appropriately can also lead to reduced opportunities not only for the employee, but for the company. In summary, poor leadership can result in not providing proper direction and/or guidance to your employees to meet company goals, not motivating employees can result in a decrease in employee productivity, and not managing conflict can lead to low morale or even a belief of inequality among the workgroup if issues are not handled properly. As Ahmed, Shields, White, Wilbert (2010) point out, Managers must have a mind-set to think beyond their job titles and focus more on developing and inspiring employees to accomplish organizational goals. After all, The ultimate goal of an organization is to maximize shareholders value and profitability, which is accomplished by integrating strong leadership with formal and informal communication networks (Ahmed, Shields, White, Wilbert, 2010, Pg 119). Given the fact that the human factor is part of any business, employee management issues are a common occurrence in the lives of every manager or leader. Thats not to say that theres nothing that can be done about it or suggest that managers or leaders should simply deal with the issues and move on. On the contrary, there are things that managers and leaders can do to overcome and/or minimize these employee management issues. However, further research would be appropriate to explore options and solutions that can be implemented to address these employee management issues.

Lemurs in Madagascar Assignment Essay

What are Madagascar’s biomes? Discuss the major features of at least one of these biomes. Use the textbook for biome examples. Madagascar is a tropical rainforest, rain forest savanna and grasslands. The rain forest receives 120 inches of rain at least a year. It has very wet and dense vegetation within the trees. Anywhere from 70 plus percent of animal life lives in the trees. It is filled with lakes, river, swamps and a wide variety of different terrain. There is an overabundance of green plant life that strives on the heavy rains received each year. The forest floor is full of nutrients which the large tree strive on giving the canopy effects and which houses so much plant and animal life. 2. What changes happening in Madagascar are posing challenges for lemurs? Give details about the sources, time scale, and types of change. All the time the environment is changing by people moving in and getting more populated. As people come into a new area they may alter a Lemurs normal route or main food supply in the area by cutting down a certain tree such as bamboo. 3. Which types of lemurs are adapting to the changes? Which types of lemurs are not adapting well? Why? The less vulnerable lemurs are good at adapting to a secondary environment with people. The vulnerable or endangered lemurs are having hard time moving and settling into a new food source or habitat which is causing them to go  extinct faster. Ringtail lemurs can adapt and defiantly go to multiple environments. 4. What behavioral and physical traits are being favored in lemurs in the changing Madagascar environment? People are studying lemurs to find out if you can teach other lemurs certain straight so that can adapt to a new type of environment. Such as eating habitats and what they eat. How the move and migrate from place to place. 5. Why might lemurs not evolve to adapt to the changes in Madagascar? They may not never adapt due to the constant changes in the environment nonstop. Some lemurs can adapt with evolution over hundreds of year but with humans within a few years they can destroy an entire habitat along with food sources within a year. The constant changes always leave the lemurs on their toes. Constantly roaming from one place to another 6. Which biogeochemical cycles may be altered by anthropogenic activities on Madagascar, and how? Many things may be altered such as the soils and living organisms by people moving into the new areas in such a rapid rate. What toll does this take on the environments such as global warming and pollutants in that areas now? What do the changes in the smaller spectrum of things do to the overall climate? Reference â€Å"Lemurs in Madagascar: Surviving on an Island of Change.† Films Media Group, 2006. Films On Demand.

Responding Techniques

Responding and summarizing begins with using active and responding where I preview the author’s background as well as the writing context. Summarizing accurately and objectively represent key ideas. A summary cites the author and title, quotes key phrases or sentences directly and describe the main ideas and feature of a text. Responding is critiquing the ideas in the text. Responding technique gives responses that may agree or disagree with the argument in the text.Responses may analyze the argument, organization or quality of evidence in the text; and/or they may reflect on assumptions or implications. Summary includes main ideas and key features while a response includes my reactions, comments and questions. A summary gives a reader an objective and condensed account of the main ideas and features of a text while a response. A response should include own perspective, experiences, attitudes and beliefs that will guide in a particular response.To make it effective, a response paper effective, I need to say what I think and show why I think so. The response should show the relationship between my opinions and the argument in the text. A response requires analyzing the effectiveness of the text, agreeing or disagreeing with the author’s ideas and interpreting and reflecting on the text. Responses must be supported by evidence, facts, examples and details.Personal experience, evidence form the text and other texts form supporting evidence for good responses. In responses, there is need for in text citations like sentences and phrases. Ideas from other books, essays and articles are relevant. Usually, summary appears first and then the reader’s response. The two parts are carefully integrated where the response focuses quickly on the main idea summarized. Use a clear transition from the summary and response or integrate both the summary and response throughout.

Society s Perception Of Beauty - 1148 Words

Beauty is a perception we hold in society as what is attractive or not. Our perception of beauty is a social construct, meaning that it is made through society through its depictions of beauty. In our society today, our perception of beauty is shaped through the media, since the media portrays specific standards of beauty that people feel they must follow. Although media portrays beauty across different races and ages, society’s perception of beauty is skewed towards a specific and established standard. This causes those specific groups to feel obligated to follow this standard of beauty rather than following a more diverse path. Therefore, our social construct of beauty is shaped through media’s biased portrayals of different races and ages, as it does not provide a realistic view of those groups standard of beauty. Society today holds beauty as a pivotal role in our lives. Many people believe that, through a high perception of one’s own beauty, one’s sel f-esteem is increased with this. By perceiving yourself as beautiful or attractive, then the increased self-esteem will follow due to your own perception of yourself. However, as society progressed, people have stopped believing in this ideology and, instead, follow different practices to attain beauty. It is prevalent throughout modern society that people from all social groups alter their beauty in order to fit a set standard. This set standard is usually established by media and effects people of all social groups. ForShow MoreRelatedSociety s Perception Of Beauty1193 Words   |  5 PagesBeauty is a socially constructed perception regarding what is seen as attractive or not. Our perception of beauty, as stated previously, is a social construct, meaning that it is made through society and the people who are part of it. 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