21st Century Management versus Previous Centuries Management
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21st Century Management versus Previous Centuries Management
Management in the 21st century will have to be a break away from the management style of the previous centuries. The absolute power exercised by the managers of the previous century cannot work in this century because employees in the 21st century know what they need to do at the work place and do not require a manager who tells them what to do (McCrimmon, 2010).
The past managers assigned work to specific employees. Their roles were planning and controlling (Walonick, 1993). The organization had stipulated clear lines of authority and control on which the manager had over his or her employees. The structure was therefore hierarchical where power came from the top to the bottom employees (Walonick, 1993).
Unlike the previous centuries, the current generation of employees knows what needs to be done. They are their own managers (McCrimmon, 2010). The manager therefore cannot exercise full authority over the employees. In fact, the manager has to involve everybody in the achievement of the goals that the organization has set (McCrimmon, 2010). The management here has to be horizontal rather than vertical. Therefore, the management involves teamwork where everyone contributes to the achievement of the goals of the company by playing their part. The employees do not have to work under the authority of a manager to whom they report. They rather work as a team where everyone contributes his or her own part. The employees are the ones who get the work done rather than the manager being the one who gets the work done through control and manipulation (Walonick, 1993).
Implications for the Future of Thor
The implications of the changes in management to the future of Thor are that the company will experience unprecedented growth from the teamwork of all the company employees. The workers will be their own managers hence motivation will be intrinsic (McCrimmon, 2010). This means that the workers will take pride in the company and get satisfaction in the work they do for the company.
The working relationship will be improved especially between workers at the top level and those at the lower rank because the hierarchical order of doing things will have been removed. Everyone in the company will be involved in the decision making of the company. Therefore, the company will set achievable goals.
Change in the Shipping Division
The shipping division is likely to experience increased efficiency in its operations from the new approach to the job because every worker will be involved in making the work better. This means that the workers will take pride in the work they are doing since they are involved in the decision making (McCrimmon, 2010).
Another factor that will improve efficiency in the shipping division is that since workers are not receiving “orders from above”, there is the likelihood of improved working relationship because the workers will manage their own work without necessarily being manipulated or controlled by those above them (McCrimmon, 2010). This is likely to reduce labor disputes arising by orders from seniors.
Summary
The 21st century brings about a change in management practices of the previous centuries. Employees have more say in their work rather than being puppets receiving orders from those above them. The employees have become their own managers and the hierarchical structure of management is no longer valid. In this regard, there is need for companies to look again into their management practices in order to remain afloat in this era of liberty where workers become their own managers and managers of their own bosses (McCrimmon, 2010).