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Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................ 4
Task 1: The relationship between organizational structure and culture......................5
1.1 Different organizational structures and culture.................................................5
1.2 Extent to which the relationship between an organizations structure and
Culture can affect the performance of the business................................................7
1.3 The factors that influence individual behavior at work......................................8
Task 2: Different approaches to management and leadership..................................10
2.1 The effectiveness of different leadership styles in different organizations......10
2.2 Extent to which organizational theory underpins the practice of management
.............................................................................................................................. 11
2.3 Different approaches to management used by different organizations...........12
Task 3: Ways of using motivational theories in organizations...................................14
3.1 The impact that different leadership styles may have on motivation in
organizations in periods of change........................................................................14
3.2 The application of different motivational theories within the workplace.........15
3.3 The usefulness of a motivation theory for managers......................................17
Task 4: Mechanisms for developing effective teamwork in organizations.................19
4.1 The nature of groups and group behavior within organizations......................19
4.2 Factors that may promote or inhibit the development of effective teamwork in
organizations......................................................................................................... 22
4.3 The impact of technology on team functioning within a given organization. . .23
Conclusion................................................................................................................ 24
References................................................................................................................ 25
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Executive Summary
What motivates the workforce at different levels of an organization are the organizational
structure and organizational culture. First invented in Japan, the philosophy of continuous
improvement through teamwork is now trending worldwide in the successful companies. The
different aspects of organizational culture and structure, management and leadership approaches,
motivational theories and their implications, and the effectiveness of successful teamwork the
case studies of ASDA PLC and British Airlines are crucial addition to OB studies.
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Introduction
This work studies the individual, group and ultimately the organizational behavior. This unit
focuses on the organizational culture and structure, and their impact on the workforce behavior.
The common logic is that the organization of a big multi-national firm will be different from that
of any small firm that operates locally (Applewhite, 1965). The organization of the workforce
and structure of a company will significantly develop and influence the organizational culture.
This structure of shared beliefs and values shapes and determines the recognized models of
organizational workforce behavior.
The assignment will discuss different aspects of organizational behavior on the basis of two
different companies of the UK, the ASDA PLC and British Airways.
ASDA PLC is a local supermarket chain operating grocery retailing in the UK. The ASDA PLC
was previously named as the Associated Dairies and Farm Stores Ltd which they changed to
ASDA PLC in 1965. The Headquarter of the super shop is located in Leeds, UK. After Sainsbury
and Tesco, ASDA is the third largest super shop chain in the UK. It became Wal-Marts (USA)
subsidiary in 1999.
British Airways is the airline of the United Kingdom. It is one of the largest airline in the world
based on international flights, destinations all over the world and fleet size. The multinational
company was established on 31 March 1974. The company has its Headquarter in waterside,
Harmondsworth, England. The company employs about 57000 employees.
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communication with the client managers. The company operation is done in five layers which
has been changed to from the previous nine layer strategy. This change has been made to enable
small groups of employees to work with correspondence to the structure and functional
responsibilities.
Organizational Culture in the ASDA PLC and British Airlines
ASDAs organizational culture is exceptional from other companies in various ways. The
company has a team including 170,000 employees working around the world. Aside from staffs
wearing name badges, they have routine huddles to stay advanced with their performance to
impart their key exercises for the day, to help them stay centered and accomplish the set
objective for the day. Huddles give them the chance to recognize and commend group and
individual success, ASDA beliefs each staff inside of the organization makes commitments and
emphatically impacts the hierarchical culture by giving brilliant customer administration, regard
for every person and act with respectability.
Service to our customers, respect for the individual, strive for excellence is ASDAs logo and
they believe that customers are the core point of their operations. ASDA and its employees
believe in commitment. The culture of trust is deeply rooted and the company emphasizes on
doing right to its employees, customers and also the community.
British Airlines, although was defamed previously for its biased, bureaucratic, impersonal and
authoritarian culture, after being privatized, it now bears a strong culture and solid regulations.
Incorporation of training programs and appraisal systems, have contributed largely to companys
performance improvement. The company now has a cooperative workplace where everyone is
dealt fair with. The management observes the practice of standards and ensures that they are not
reduced. Clients are taken as key priority. They are dealt with effectiveness and efficiency. When
an employee or a group of employees performs their task desirably, their efforts are reinforced
for continuity. The culture of BA includes informality, participative management, customer
orientation etc. The company holds the motto, to be a competitive airlines.
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The performance of ASDA PLC is decided by standards that the company fixes for the
employees. Structure and culture of the ASDA, both influences the individual and organization
level performance of the company. Therefore, the management should emphasis on employee
motivational factors such as the incentives, promotions etc. to ensure desired output from the
employees. Employees that are not properly motivated and are dissatisfied will impose severe
outcomes in the company performance.
Matters related to the performance of the company and its structure and culture are presented
below;
Organizational structure is the edge for the ASDA PLC. To sustain and progress in the
competitive market, ASDA must possess a constructive structure. On the other hand, the culture
of the company must be employee friendly and flexible to some extent. In this way, the
executives can desire better outcomes from the company personnel.
Employee recruitment process in the ASDA is very systematic and after the recruitment is done,
they should have an orientation program that will provide them a better understanding of the
companys culture and structure.
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The culture of the company influences the matter of receiving proper feedback from the potential
and existing customers. Thus, the supermarket chain lays a good notion about itself in customer
minds.
The way of leadership, management behavior encourages and motivates the employees of ASDA
as well. Friendly and polite leadership influences the performance of the employees. The
employees of ASDA feel valued, fulfilled and supported and thus they are motivated to career
improvement. And this ultimately results in customer satisfaction. (Daft, 1997).
Researches show that strong relation between the culture and the structure of a company not only
helps it by building a fine work place, but also by driving the employees towards better
performance and motivates them to share their duties.
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There are different internal and external environmental and other factors affecting the individual
behavior in the company. According to the case of ASDA PLC, these factors are;
Work Environment: The key motivators of the individual behavior are the work place or work
environment. It is important that ASDA keep the environment in a way that it does not create any
negative behavior among the employees.
Perception towards organization: Another important factor that affects individual behavior in
the organization is the way he/she perceives the entire work place. ASDA PLC tries its best to
make sure the employees possess positive perception about their work place.
Environment of the company: Both the perception towards the work place and work
environment depends on how well the organizations environment is. ASDA is the company that
has been able to keep up its reputation for holding a good environment of the organization for
years.
Personality of the employees: It is important to know what sort of individuals the company is
recruiting. In the recruitment process, it is better for the company to judge the personality of the
applicants somehow. An employee with bad personality will always be a black sheep for the
company. The personality and performance have a very positive relation. The HR managers
should give their effort so that the attitudes of employees benefit the company somehow.
Other key factors: However, some of the other major factors to influence individual behavior
are the appraisal methods, rewards and incentives, motivation techniques and the promotion
methods. These factors directly or indirectly influence the employee behavior towards work. The
way they do so, will be discussed broadly in different parts of this assignment (Dean, 1981).
For example, if ASDA chooses rigid appraisal method for its employees, than there are high
chances that the employees will no longer show better performance in their works.
It is important to study behavior for the sake of the company itself. Without proper knowledge of
behavior, it is most probable that negative behavior will result in poor performance and thus poor
outcomes.
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There are two different types of leadership styles such as the task-oriented leadership and
transactional leadership style. Both are inappropriate for the case mentioned companies due to
the nature of organization and functions of employees.
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long-term goals and objectives and increase the standard of the performance (Hersey and
Blanchard, 1982).
To be more specific on the point of the appropriateness of the administrative theory in the case of
ASDA, the reasons are that the theory is based on the principles of Henry Fayol. The principles
of Henry Fayols management study are the discipline, centralization, work specialization,
committees, managerial functions etc. A supermarket chain is the best fit for applying these
principles.
A good specialization of works is important for the delivery of better service to the customers.
Discipline in the work place makes the best use of a work force. As the company is not any
production company, decentralization is needless and a waste of time. In conclusion, it can be
drawn that the theory provides ASDA with the right guidelines and suits most in its case.
Necessity for precise task estimate, modification and reporting. (Hiriyappa, 2009).
A crucial issue mentioned earlier is that ASDA has a compound reporting method for the
employees for there is no plane command line. Because the super shop relies mostly on
personnel skill, it is clear that it follows the cultivating management approach. Exercises inside
ASDA are synergistic. Furthermore, an important mentionable thing is that the ASDA recognizes
buyer group on the local community premise.
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illustrate the term best suit, in a manufacturing company autocratic style is demotivational.
Therefore, it is necessary that any particular style is implemented carefully.
In the times of any sort of change undergoing inside the organization, leadership becomes very
much important. Changes because of introduction of new policies, entering of new management,
incorporation of new technology or many other external and internal changes require the
employees to be directed properly under the right leadership.
Here it will be discussed that which type of leadership best fits in the case of ASDA PLC, when
it is undergoing some sort of change in the work force. One answer can be the autocratic style.
The justification of this answer is that with this approach the leader will implement the changes,
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and take straightforward decisions. Another answer can be the democratic style. The justification
of this approach is that the leader will discuss about the change with the employees and consult a
way to face the change.
Teamwork, however, is the best solution for this case. Under a teamwork method everyone will
share their efforts and will be liable for own actions.
Teamwork approach or the democratic approaches are the right approaches to follow in the
ASDA, because with this method of leadership the employees are given importance for their
work in the company. Moreover, in the democratic approach the employees get a part in the
decision making process. Autocratic style makes the organizational functions done faster but on
the other hand, makes the employees demotivated.
Teamwork approach results in better performance quality of the employees. Creation of
productive workforce and a work environment of cooperation and coordination are also the
benefits of teamwork approach.
Democratic approach may encourage creative and employee oriented work force where the
employees share efforts to solve problems. However, democratic approach may result in creation
of workers unions, slow work progress and low influence of management in the ASDA.
To draw the conclusion, it should be kept in mind that the leader must keep his actions and
directions clear in times of changes. It is important that he/she withholds the logics of having the
change and drive the employees to get used to the change and finally work as a team to make the
change effective.
be motivated if given the same benefits received by some other colleague on similar position.
Therefore, it can be a complex task for the managers to properly motivate the employees
(Luthans, 1977).
There are different motivational theories. Below some of the most popular theories have been
discussed on the context of ASDA PLC.
Maslows theory of hierarchy of needs is one of the popular and most simple motivational
theories. The theory states that ones needs can be listed respectively as physiological needs(need
to meet the basic demands), safety needs(needs to get safety of work, safety of income and safety
of life), social needs(needs to have respect, affection and care from closed ones), esteem
needs(needs to gain self-satisfaction) and self-actualization needs(state of self-respect and
recognition in the society) (McShane and Von Glinow, 2000). With this strategy used, ASDA
can effort to meet each needs at different levels of employees organizational achievement.
Another popular theory is the Victor Vrooms expectancy theory. In the case of ASDA, the
application of theory will create the situation where the skilled employees will provide some
expected performance, his/her performance then will result him to desire some matching reward
and expected reward achievement will ultimately motivate the employee.
One extreme type of motivational theory is the McGregors theory X and Y. This theory states
that X category employees are most likely to be lazy, dislike work and thus require strict
controlling. On the other extreme, the Y employees are dynamic, work oriented and involved and
are motivated by the job activities.
The best suit in case of ASDA PLC is estimated to be the expectancy theory of Victor Vroom.
The theory is more practical rather being assumption based.
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this
discussion,
Herzbergs
has
theory
been
presented
context
with
of
the
ASDA PLC.
The
hygiene
theory of
Herzberg
states the
elements
that
create
job
satisfaction,
dissatisfaction and job dissatisfaction.
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non
Based on this theory, the super shop will face employee dissatisfaction if proper incentive
policies are absent, work environment is dissatisfactory and other employee benefits are absent.
But what does not dissatisfy, not necessarily satisfy- thats the point in this theory. The company
must provide a challenging work force, good career achievement and competitive environment to
keep its employees satisfied (Robbins, 2001).
Herzbergs theory is a complex one. However, if ASDA can implement it properly, then sure it
will get some better outcomes.
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Task group
Command group
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Task groups in the ASDA are created to accomplish some specific tasks. They are officially made
and officially motivated.
Formal groups may have some drawbacks. Negligence or narrow mind tendency pushes the
group progress backwards. Official jealousy is the main reasons behind it. In ASDA these
negative affect are less apparent though.
Informal Groups: When employees of the company voluntarily form some groups among
themselves for both official and unofficial purposes, it is called the informal group (Robbins
and Judge, 2007). Such groups greatly influence the company performance. Friendship groups
and interest groups are two types of informal groups. Informal groups are much effective than
the formal groups.
ASDA PLCs culture motivates its employees to form informal groups. This way, the company is
benefitted in various ways.
Group is a collaboration of some employees to provide collective efforts to accomplish some
specific objective. Broadly there are two different types of groups, formal group and informal
group. We will see the nature and functions of these groups from the view of ASDA.
Formal Group: Formal groups are formed officially for organization purposes (Robbins and
Coulter, 2005). These groups focus on achievement of some specific objectives. Formal groups
are of two types;
Task group
Command group
Task groups in the ASDA are created to accomplish some specific tasks. They are officially made
and officially motivated.
Formal groups may have some drawbacks. Negligence or narrow mind tendency pushes the
group progress backwards. Official jealousy is the main reasons behind it. In ASDA these
negative affect are less apparent though.
Informal Group: When employees of the company voluntarily form some groups among
themselves for both official and unofficial purposes, it is called the informal group (Robbins and
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Judge, 2007). Such groups greatly influence the company performance. Friendship groups and
interest groups are two types of informal groups. Informal groups are much effective than the
formal groups.
ASDA PLCs culture motivates its employees to form informal groups. This way, the company is
benefitted in various ways.
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Both the formal and informal groups increase the organizational performance.
Cooperation and coordination between colleagues are important for the better
functioning of a work place. As mentioned earlier, team works create synergic
affect. Discussion with peers often discover unique ways to accomplish tasks. This
directly influence group behavior. Team work or group works avoid work place
conflict. Formal groups are effective in accomplishing official tasks that are assigned
to be done in group. Informal groups are effective in general.
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Dynamic team functions: The ASDA PLCs team members are obliged to have a reasonable
duty to the group for working dynamic in the team.
Team Specialty: The group is centered on the exceptional ability to which the group towards as
well. Group of ASDA PLC can utilize its assets choosing team members either who should
capably guarantee the achievement or can converge for coordinated effort.
Social environment: Teams can fraternized both in a working and social environment of ASDA.
Fruitful teams can suspect what others will do and how they will react.
With the much use of groups or teams, the performance of teams is now considered to be a
crucial component of firms success. Thus, ASDA and other companies expect staffs who are
"team players". Those who are interested and able to work effectively in team settings.
Studies demonstrate the fact that technology influences the teams and groups in the company
contrastingly due to the reason of styles of the groups and their exercises. It is debatable, whether
virtual group activities are more viable or the individual-to-individual collaboration (Sorge,
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2002). Nonetheless, as far as scattered work power, commitment of virtual groups is certain.
Being a general store chain its correspondence channel must depend on intranet and web
facilities.
Online communication is another advantage of computerized team activities. ASDA tries to stay
one-step ahead of its competitors. Therefore, it encourages online team involvement and
reinforces better performances herein.
Technologically advanced strategy is very much important to sustain and progress in the
competitive market. ASDA is no different from any other successful company that brings any
technological innovation in the business process to keep its reputation intact.
Conclusion
This unit focused on the organizational culture and structure, and their impact on the workforce
behavior. The objective of this work was to provide the understanding and practical knowledge
on individual and group level behaviors in the organization and how they influences the
workforce and are influenced by the culture of the organization. Throughout the unit, the
different aspects of organizational culture and structure, management and leadership approaches,
motivational theories and their implications, and the effectiveness of successful teamwork was
shown on the basis of the case studies of ASDA PLC and British Airlines. It has also shown the
importance that the designs of organizations have on structuring that behavior.
A range of strategies was used to deliver the assignment properly. Use of case studies is an
important learning methodology. It enables application of concept learned in the studies. With
application of practical knowledge, the understanding of organizational behavior is more fruitful.
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References
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Press.
Culliney, T. (2014). Notes on Predatory Behavi our in Rhinacloa forticornis (Hemiptera:
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Daft, R. (1997). Management. Fort Worth: Dryden Press.
Dale, E. (1967). Organization. [New York]: American Management Association.
Dean, J. (1981). Organizational behavior. Durham, NC: Eno River Press.
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