(Original Content Only) (400 words for the reply) (APA) (In-text citations are a must) (Biblical integration must be included) (Explain how specific biblical scriptures relate to these questions)
Text must be cited: Daft, R. L. (2021). Organization theory & design (13th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning. ISBN: 9780357445143.
1. Chapter 4: How do you think planning in todays organizations compares to planning in an organization 25 years ago? Do you think planning becomes more important or less important in a world where everything quickly changes and crises are a regular part of organizational life? Why?
Planning in todays organizations is vastly more complex than twenty-five years ago. In the past, companies could create more long-term plans and strategies as the environments lacked the rates of change seen today with the influx of technology. According to Daft (2016), the three primary dimensions of a changing environment within organizations are complexity (simple or complex), dynamism (stable or unstable), and financial resources (abundance to scarcity). Each of these contribute majorly to organizations today. Guiding and shifting the way organizations plan. Therefore, I believe planning has become more important in a world where everything changes quickly, and crises is a regular part of organizational life. Accurate predictions are difficult to come by with the fast pace of change. Additionally, as Daft (2016) outlines in todays uncertain environment long-term planning is not always necessary as the future will not be the same as today. Instead, the focus should be less on planning and more on forecasting. Forecasting is using the information known to estimate future growth. One way this can be accomplished is by keeping everyone within the environment well informed and up to date on the organizations plan and decisions that way employees can spot threats and opportunities and respond quickly. An academic research study from Sørensen (2020) analyzed employees crises response abilities within an organization. The results showed that the employees had an overall trust in their organizations resilience to crisis. However, there was a vague understanding or roles and positions in crises with signs of rumor starting, misunderstanding, and insecurity. In conclusion Sørensen (2020) determined increased knowledge about how employees react to a crisis may help optimize internal crisis management planning and utilize robust mitigation and response strategies (para. 1). This concept can be applied to organizational life.
Chapter 4: Is changing the organization’s domain a feasible strategy for coping with a threatening environment? Can you think of an organization in the recent news that has changed its domain? Explain.
Changing an organizations domain can be a feasible strategy in coping with a threatening environment. According to Daft (2016), environmental domains are increasingly unstable for most organizations. An example that is provided in this weeks text is toymakers, this is due to the constant change in childrens interest as well as the fact that children have stoped playing with toys younger as they are more consumed with the internet and online games. Therefore, these toymakers must adapt their domain and adjust the services that they offer to keep up with the market and be successful. In more recent times an organization that has changed its domain to keep up with a threatening environment is Netflix. As outlined by Kariuki (2023), Netflix started in 1997 as a home mailing DVD movie service. As technology progressed and times changed Netflix has had to adapt to keep up with the market. In 2024 mailing a DVD would not create a sustainable company. Now we know the organization as a monthly charged streaming service offering a variety of shows and movies and even Netflix produced originals. The organization has evolved into having almost 250 million paid subscribers. However, as the environment continues to change so must the organization. For example, Netflix has major competitors now like Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime. Also, Netflix has had to find ways to minimize password sharing for users to promote more individuals buying subscriptions. It will be interesting to watch the future of this organization and how they continue to change their domain to fit into the market and environment.
Chapter 6: Compare the s of the transnational model described in Chapter 6 to the elements of the learning organization described in Chapter 1. Do you think the transnational model would work in a huge global firm?
The transnational model as described by Daft (2016) is a model that reflects the ultimate in both organizational complexities, with many diverse units, and organizational coordination, with mechanisms for integrating the varied parts (p. 242). This model is most useful for large, multinational companies with global impacts. This type of model is very differentiated to affect a complex environment and offers high standards of knowledge sharing increased complexity. A research article from Silenskyte (2022) analyzed those competitive advantages of using the transnational model in India. The results found that seamless interconnected communication is an outcome of this model. Furthermore, implementation of strategic foals is needed in order for this success to be seen. This compares to the learning organizational model described in chapter one as here the focus is on all employees having shared knowledge and continual training. Both models focus on planning and training, but the learning organization has a higher focus on employees specifically. When information is shared openly and education is encouraged it promotes a positive culture that pursues the same goals, as everyone can feel up to speed and valued. Yes, I believe the transnational model would work in dealing with a huge global firm as it is already proven to have success in the past working with large global companies such as Proctor and Gamble (Daft, 2016, p. 242).
How can/should a biblical worldview be applied?
Jeremiah 22:13 states The soul of the sluggard and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied (NIV). This verse should be applied as the biblical worldview when discussing building a strong organization with Christ at the focus. This verse explains that to see fruitful results one must be honest and work hard within their organization. It takes time and diligence to see the results. Shortcuttings and sluggard behavior will not reap success. Financial motivators are a large part of todays business culture. However, we must remember that money is not the goal rather Christ is and that must remain the focus.
References
Daft, R. L. (2016). Organization theory & design (12th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Kariuki, P. (2023). How and when did Netflix start? A brief history of the company. Make Use Of. https://www.makeuseof.com/how-when-netflix-start-b…
New International Version. (2001). YouVersion. https://www.youversion.com/the-bible
ilenskyte, A., Kohtamäki, M., Dhanaraj, C. (2022). Strategy implementation in the transnational MNC: A critical realist investigation of European and Indian unit collaboration, Journal of Business Research, Volume 152, Pages 276-289, ISSN 0148-2963, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2022.07.041.
Sørensen, J. L., Ranse, J., Gray, L., Khorram-Manesh, A., Goniewicz, K., & Hertelendy, A. J. (2022). Employees Perception of Organizational Crises and Their Reactions to Them – A Norwegian Organizational Case Study. Frontiers in psychology, 13, 818422. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.818422
(Original Content Only) (400 words for the reply) (APA) (In-text citations are a must) (Biblical integration must be included) (Explain how specific biblical scriptures relate to these questions)
2. Open System Design Elements
The organizational environment has changed over time, and the ability to adapt and overcome challenges is more prevalent than ever. The research required to compete in the global environment has also increased as the landscape has evolved. Understanding how to manage and lead through complex issues and unexpected events has made it more difficult than ever to own a business. In addition to the physical layout of a business, the online environment must also be taken into consideration.
Question 1
Planning in todays organization is much different than planning twenty-five years ago or more. This is due to the rapidly changing environments in which organizations have done business. When reviewing the three primary dimensions which are, dynamism, complexity, and abundance. These dimensions all refer to an organizations ability to have enough financial resources (abundance), how simple or complex (complexity) the environment is, and whether there is stability (dynamism). Depending on an organizations location, type of business being conducted, and financial resources, a business may no longer be able to operate as it did twenty-five years ago (Daft, 2020, p. 153). A good example of this is the video store blockbuster. At their prime, they had over 9000 locations globally. With opportunities missed over the years, like purchasing Netflix, and competitors such as Redbox coming along, they were unable to remain open, finally closing in 2013. They were unable to keep up with the changing marketplace. The only exception is their last store standing, in Bend Oregon where their loyal customer base and nostalgia as a tourist destination allow it to remain open (Olito & Bitter, 2023).
Adapting to the rapidly changing environment is a critical part of the planning process for any organization. Without proper planning and enough financial resources to withstand any crisis that may come up within the global arena, the organization or company may not be able to last. Companies that rely heavily on technology, have strong competitors, or quickly changing customer demands that cannot keep up may lead to a companys downfall. Such as the case mentioned with Blockbuster (Daft, 2020, p. 155).
Question 2
Changing a companys domain is generally not a feasible strategy for coping with a threatening environment. When planning for an organization, extensive research must be done before the point of engaging in business. Changing this when the environment changes may lead to a decrease in revenue or a customer base who is no longer interested in what that business is providing. A resilient organization understands that they must be agile in a competitive environment, and that it may be necessary to change domains when needed. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, organizations understand now more than ever that sustainability is important for long term success since there will always be unknowns. The sustainability of any organizations must be understood during the initial research and planning period, and then continue as the environment changes over time (Miceli et al., 2021).
The company Labatt Blue was strictly a beer company from 1847 to 2020 when it started creating seltzer drinks for those that wanted something other than beer. They produced seltzer drinks due to the growing nationwide demand for those types of products. This is a commonly sold beverage where I am located and appears to be a good decision, without losing any of its original customer base (Labatt Blue, 2024). Although this is the case for Labatt Blue, this may not be the case for all companies. When a company has its niche, breaking into another area can be significantly challenging. When a company has become well known for a type of product, it can be incredibly difficult to branch off into new products. If the company that sells toothpaste decides to switch to something like food, chances are they will be unsuccessful, and this did actually happen. About thirty years ago the toothpaste brand Colgate tried at making frozen dinners. The line eventually stopped, and they continued to make toothpaste. Now when you venture down the toothpaste aisle, there are many flavors by the same brands.
Question 3
A learning organization can adapt to the rapidly changing environment and find ways to manage the complexities that exist, including unexpected events. The transactional model will help support the decision making and planning process of a huge global firm. The transactional model is an advanced model of an international organization. The model is highly complex with showing how all parts are integrated into each other. To function as a large international organization, all parts must be taken into consideration and understood. With globalization more popular than ever, this type of model would work for a huge global firm (Daft, 2020, p. 254).
As a large global firm, in using the transactional model in conjunction with a learning mindset, companies are more likely to adapt when challenges arise. When looking at climate change, companies are required to investigate unique solutions and outside perspectives to find meaningful answers. Learning has been identified as a key process when looking for sustainable options. A company that is able to learn is linked to an increased ability to change when needed. Companies that may have never worked together may be required to collaborate to find solutions that work and could lead to successful implementation (Feeney et al., 2022).
Question 4
A biblical worldview can be applied to an organization, especially a large global business when you consider all the lives that are impacted by a single business. As a manager or owner of a business, each employee is invested in the success of a business since it is most likely what leads to their ability to care for their family. 1 Thessalonians, 5:11, Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. We all work together, and in business everyone is in it together as mentioned. Its important to remember that the goal of a business is to help or provide services that are needed by someone. As an owner, manager, or employee we are working to help others through the organization (King James Bible Online, 2024, 1 Thessalonians 5:11).
References
Daft, R. L. (2020). Organization theory & design (13th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning. ISBN: 9780357445143.
Feeney, M., Grohnert, T., Gijselaers, W., & Martens, P. (2022). Organizations, learning, and sustainability: A cross-disciplinary review and research agenda. Journal of Business Ethics, 184(1), 217235. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-022-05072-7Links to an external site.
King James Bible Online. (2024). https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.orgLinks to an external site.
Labatt blue. (2024). Labatt USA. Retrieved January 28, 2024, from https://www.labattusa.com/product/labatt-blue/Links to an external site.
Miceli, A., Hagen, B., Riccardi, M., Sotti, F., & Settembre-Blundo, D. (2021). Thriving, not just surviving in changing times: How sustainability, agility and digitalization intertwine with organizational resilience. Sustainability, 13(4), 2052. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13042052Links to an external site.
Olito, F., & Bitter, A. (2023, April 24). Blockbuster: The rise and fall of the movie rental store, and what happened to the brand. Business Insider. Retrieved January 28, 2024, from https://www.businessinsider.com/rise-and-fall-of-blockbusterLinks to an external site.
3. (Original Content Only) (150 words for one reply) (APA) (In-text citations are a must) (Biblical integration must be included) (Explain how specific biblical scriptures relate to these questions)
While watching the video, the first question the speaker asks is, As a Christian, what do you think about business? and he proceeds to provide two groups of popular answers. When thinking about how I would respond to this question, I believe business can be utilized to glorify God as well as utilized to practice our God-given responsibilities. I also firmly believe the most successful businesses are centered around God whether they are aware of it or not. First, businesses are given the responsibility to serve others such as their market by utilizing resources to sell a product or service. Ligonier Ministries states, Dominion over the earth is not a license to exploit, pillage, consume, or destroy the earth; it is a responsibility to exercise stewardship over our home by working and keeping it (Sproul, 2023, para. 12). In this case home would be the business in which biblical stewardship is used to create, grow, and maintain the business. Scripture discusses an example of using the resources given to us as it states, The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it (English Standard Version Bible, 2001, Genesis 2:15).
The second question the speaker asks is How does your work in business contribute to Gods kingdom? When thinking about how I would respond to this question, there are many opportunities for businesses to contribute to Gods kingdom. One example would be a business choosing to make decisions that benefit the economy, which is admirable by the market and has the potential to gain a larger market. Heyiyon states, An organization’s economic strategy is vital to the company it must be assessed and altered regularly, just like the operational plan (Nguyen et al., 2022, pg. 2). This essentially means one way business may contribute to Gods kingdom is through economic decisions. The speaker mentions how bookkeeping may be related to contributing to Gods kingdom as one way may be through moral decisions. When books are recorded correctly and checked regularly this protects not only the business but the employees of the business as well. Scripture discusses this as it states, Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight (Proverbs 12:22). Decisions may also be made through prayer as well as listening to others within the business as opposed to depending on one person. This is also discussed within scripture as it states, Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). This also allows for individuals to interact within the world as we were created to do.
References
English Standard Version Bible. (2001). ESV Online. https://esv.literalword.com/
4. (Original Content Only) (150 words for one reply) (APA) (In-text citations are a must) (Biblical integration must be included) (Explain how specific biblical scriptures relate to these questions)
I believe the statement, A company should produce and sell any product as long as there is a market for it.” is very strong in that there are many answers to this depending on the point of view. Scripture states, So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith (English Standard Version Bible, 2001, Galatians 6:10) I believe this piece of scripture is significant when analyzing this statement from a Christian business point of view. Cigarettes and alcohol are used as examples within this discussion of products that cause harm despite there being a market for them. As Christians, we are called to look into the best interest of others where selling these types of products would cause more damage than benefit to others. The Journal of religion and health states, 73% of addiction treatment programs in the USA include a spirituality-based element and more than 84% of scientific studies show that faith is a positive factor in addiction prevention or recovery (Grim & Grim, 2019, pg. 1713) While these products may be sold due to the demand in the market, this allows an opportunity for addiction as well as other health-related complications. The negative effects of these products being sold may be the reason individuals turn to God. Scripture states, Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way. (2 Corinthians 7:9) In conclusion, I do not believe a Christ-centered company should produce and sell any product as long as there is a market for it, however, the production and selling of harmful products may be the path for individuals to repent and change their ways.
References
English Standard Version Bible. (2001). ESV Online. https://esv.literalword.com/Links to an external site.
(Original Content Only) (APA format) (in-text citations are a must)
(250-word summary per transcript) (500 words in total)
(2 transcripts of videos are attached) (Summarize each transcript- 250 words each)
