Managing the change within GM Essay Example

Managing the change within GM Essay Managing the change within GM Name: Course: Date: We will write a custom essay sample on Managing the change within GM specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Managing the change within GM specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Managing the change within GM specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Managing the change within GM Introduction General Motors is a multinational automotive corporation based in America. It is also the largest automaker in the world. The corporation has its headquarters in Detroit, Michigan. The company was established in 1908 as the holding company for Buick, which was based in Michigan. During the period of the 1920s, the sales of the company surpassed those of Ford to set the corporation as the largest manufacturer of automobiles. Most of the success of GM had been attributed to the management style. This style integrated concepts like planned obsolescence whereby a car’s style would be changed on a regular basis. In addition, they also used a tiered structure for pricing of different brands. This would be invaluable towards setting the brands to reach different niches in order to limit their competition. The rise of Japanese automakers in the 1980s threatened the dominance of GM. The boom of SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicle) countered this threat in the North American Market (Freeland, 2001: 98). However, after 2001 the sales began to decline. Toyota surpassed the organization in 2007 as the globes largest vehicle maker in terms of sales. GM was given loans from the Canadian and US governments in order to stay afloat. However, the organization was forced to file for Bankruptcy in mid 2009. The bankruptcy deal also entailed a requirement to discontinue or sell off several brands such as the Hummer brand. Accordingly, GM would focus on restructuring and continue with its business activities. The organization would focus on the four core brands in the United States; Buick, GMC, Cadillac and Chevrolet. The process of managing change can be challenging for any organization. Change management means the process of getting the corporate to accept the change, have an understanding of the elements of change and proper execution of the change. The benefits of this change include improvement in the organizational structure, good corporate relationships and saving on costs (Schermerhorn, et al., 2000: 102). GM has to make radical changes within the organization in order to deal with the crisis that has built over time. In addition, the process of change should be continuous in order to make the actual change effective (Burnes, 2009: 85). Forces for change The circumstances that bedeviled GM create the need for change. External forces Competition In 2008, GM sold close to 2.9 million cars in America ahead of Toyotas 2.2 million. GM still leads in the American Market. However, the market share has been on a steady decline from the 30 percent in 1999 a total of 5 million vehicles to 22 percent in the year 2008. Toyota has posed as a major competition for GM. Competition is a chief driving force for the acquisition of majority market share (Ball, 2010: 78). In comparison with competitors such as Toyota, GM vehicles were not as fuel-efficient. This caused losses to the organization because of the rise in fuel prices. This was to the advantage of Toyota leading to losses for GM. Toyotas demand for cars also increased over time to become higher than that of GM. This became the driving force towards change in GM (Hayes, 2010: 56). Financial crisis The global economic downturn affected leading companies including GM. The global financial crisis affected GMs financial standing. This in combination with other factors led the corporation to bankruptcy. Internal forces Financial constraints GM was ravaged by financial problems since 2006. The financial problems were primarily caused by poor financial policies. GM made limits to the $6 billion in car operating losses because of the $2.2 billion it had made to finance the vehicles. The organization therefore had liabilities that exceeded the assets. The condition worsened over time leading to a bankruptcy declaration in 2009. Poor financial policies can lead an organization to bankruptcy (Rugman, 2010: 96). These financial constraints therefore created the need for change. Management The management at GM had a lax mentality towards their competition. This is because they had established themselves as the market leaders. The culture within the system also caused a hindrance to modernized approaches towards change. Culture The culture at GM is described as one that is set in the traditional system since its inception in the 1900s. Culture refers to the enduring ideas, attitudes, behavior, traditions and attitudes that are shared by a large section of people to be transmitted from one generation to another. On the other hand, organizational culture can be described as an organization’s personality. Organizational culture offers guidance on the feelings and activities of employees. GM has an organization that is mainly centralized and bureaucratic. Therefore, the structure created the need to have top-down systems of control. They aimed at removing the unnecessary and redundant procedures. The corporate consolidated the purchasing offices from the initial 25 in the US to a single purchase office. Therefore, the organization became more bureaucratic. Organizations such as GM that have the centralized system make it compulsory for management to be composed of many people. The leadership style of man agement also plays a key role in the definition of the culture of the organization (Alvesson, 2002: 56). Cost GM spent more money on the production and manufacturing its cars. Compared to the main competitor Toyota, GM spent more money on manufacturing. Toyota built more vehicles at a lower cost. The company was manufacturing at a rate of 7 percent faster than GM. Therefore, Toyota would benefit from between $300 and $500 per car cost advantage. In 2005, Toyota operated at full capacity. Therefore, the company earned an average profit of $1488 per car I profit and GM lost $2300. Therefore, GM had increased costs leading to losses (Crumm, 2010: 56). Leadership GM had a vertical system of leadership. The high levels of management made key decisions on the requirements of the subordinates. Therefore, it was a one-way street. CEOs, top executives and CFOs, were in charge of key decisions from middle management to individual dealerships. The executives also made decisions on the desires of customers without their feedback. This management style also contributed to the failure (Griffin, 2011: 64). Changing the culture at GM Change management entails a holistic process of planning, consultations and effective implementation. The changes to be made at GM must be realistic, measurable and achievable. Responsibility for the process of change lies on the executives and management. They are tasked with the role of facilitating and enabling change within GM. The culture and systems at GM create the need for change. The rate of change within organizations such as GM is not constant (Senior Fleming, 2006: 78). The conditions at GM however require continuous change in order to reestablish the company as the global leader over its competitors. Change incorporates a three-step process that is sequential. Unfreezing of the forces of restraint that cause maintenance of the status quo Movement of the organization towards a new status Refreezing of the organization in order to consolidate the changes The process of change in GM One of the changes that can be implemented at GM is complete decentralization of the system. A decentralized system refers to a system whereby management places significant decision-making authority to local and frontline managers instead of reserving all authority in decision making at the top. This will reduce the constraints of the bureaucratic system at GM. In addition, GM had adopted this system in earlier years, and it proved to be a success. However, the change to a centralized system in the 1990s led to its downward trend. One of the major benefits of a decentralized structure is the high level of flexibility towards problem solving and quick and effective solutions. It also allows the requirements of consumers to be met. The failure of GM to manufacture products that saved on fuel cost during the increase in fuel prices was an indicator that the organization lacked contact with the consumers. However, because of the challenges of a decentralized system, the management must maintain open communication lines with management at the grass root level in order to keep focus on the common mission and vision of the organization (Robbins Coulter, 2005: 121). Decentralization for GM will be beneficial in order to spread responsibilities within the organization and increase the capabilities of leadership of the additional managerial ranks. The organization must also integrate innovation and technology within the system in order to achieve maximum results. Cost cutting GM has to formulate a strategy that will reduce the overall cost of production. The process of cost cutting requires an effective strategy. Strategy formulation should also consider all the factors that affect the financial aspect of the organization. The company also has to set targets towards cutting overall costs. However, the process of cutting cost should not affect the quality of output. GM has already undertaken some strategies to reduce costs such as the offloading of some of its Marques like the Hummer and Saturn. This has caused it to focus on the main products in the US. However, the overseas holdings of Daewoo and Opel are still maintained. These cost-cutting processes will help the organization to save on costs and reduce losses. Challenges affecting the change process at GM Management may want to maintain the status quo at the corporation. GM has maintained a long history of a decentralized approach of management. The top-down approach limits the mediums of effective communication between employees and management. In addition, the employees have maintained poor communication with their leaders because of this system. However, management may want to maintain the current conditions with the fear of losing power and authority. Therefore, changing the system to a decentralized one may prove difficult for the executives that are accustomed to the vertical style of management. In addition, the employees under this system may not be empowered toward using the decentralized system. This is because the management under a centralized system did not place enough trust in them. Therefore, for change to be successful, GM has to empower its workforce. The employees will therefore play an active role towards the implementation of the change program (Yuki, 2002: 62). Cost cutting measures may face numerous challenges particularly from the United Auto Workers (UAW) union. This prevents the organization from lowering the wages up to a certain level. The organization also has to keep plants in operation at minimal capacity. Lack of consultations and involvement of the employees might lead to poor choices and derail the process of change (Barger Kirby, 2006: 51). Change sustainability Sustaining change refers to the involvement of refreezing behavior at new levels as long as it benefits the organization. Sustaining change at GM will be essential towards reorganization and increasing profits. It is also crucial to recognize that not all the changes may work for the company. The main aspects of sustaining change include stickability and spreadability. Stickability refers to the extent to which the gains that are achieved in sections of the organization are maintained and built (Carnall, 2008: 54). Spreadability refers to the extent to which new processes and methods that lead to gains can be applied in other areas. It is therefore essential for GM to consider these aspects in the process of change. Management plays a crucial role towards ensuring that the advantages accrued from changes in cost and decentralization. Management can also reduce the restraining forces in order to achieve commitment and reduce restraint. In addition, the employees will increase their level of commitment. A strong implementation climate will also foster sustainability. Management can empower the members of staff to implement the changes (Storey, 2004: 83). Conclusion General Motors faces numerous challenges in efforts towards reestablishing its corporate image. The company has undertaken various processes towards changing its bureaucratic system and reducing costs. However, these processes have been relatively ineffective. The implementation of the above changes and management system will be beneficial towards redeeming the level of profitability of the organization. If GM maintains these momentums of change, the benefits will be accrued in the long-term. Management of this change will also affect the process of implementation and actualization of the changes. References Alvesson, M 2002, Understanding organizational culture, SAGE, London. Ball, D 2010, International business: the challenge of global competition, McGraw-Hill Irwin, Boston. Barger, N, Kirby, L 2006, The challenge of change in organizations: helping employees thrive in the new frontier, Davies-Black Publishing, Mountain View, Calif. Burnes, B 2009, Managing change a strategic approach to organisational dynamics, FT Prentice Hall, Harlow. Carnall, C 2008, Managing change in organizations, Financial Times Prentice Hall, Harlow. Crumm, T 2010, What is good for General Motors? solving America’s industrial conundrum, Algora Pub, New York. Freeland, R 2001, The struggle for control of the modern corporation: organizational change at General Motors, 1924-1970, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Ukgriffin, R 2011, Management, South-Western/Cengage Learning, Australia. Hayes, J 2010, The theory and practice of change management, Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke. Robbins, S Coulter, M 2005 Management, Pearson Prentice Hall Upper Saddle River, NJ. Rugman, A 2010, The Oxford handbook of international business, Oxford University Press, Oxford. Schermerhorn, J, Osborn, R, Hunt, J 2000, Organizational behavior, Wiley, New York. Senior, B, Fleming, J 2006, Organizational change, Prentice Hall/Financial Times, Harlow, England. Storey, J 2004, Leadership in organizations: current issues and key trend, Routledge, London. Yukl, G 2002, Leadership in organizations, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ.

Overview of Mormonism

Overview of Mormonism Free Online Research Papers Mormonism, what is this religion, and what does it mean? There are so many misconceptions of this religion on what they believe in. Mormons believe in, hope in, and rejoice in Jesus Christ. They testify of Jesus Christ as well, to be the savior of the world. There are 16 members in the Congress that practice Mormonism.(Matt, 2008) In this paper, knowledge will be given to understand meaning and foundation behind Mormonism, the beliefs of this religion, what texts it follows and what it means to be Mormon. All religions differ in the world, by one thing or another so in hopes to clarify some things, this paper will bring light to such a misunderstood religion. Mormonism, or also known as the Church of the Latter-Day Saints, is a religion that came in 1830. Mormonism was founded by Joseph Smith, in the 19th century in Western New York. (Matt, 2008) Joseph Smith was the first prophet and president of the Mormon Curch. When Joseph Smith was murdered in 1844 (Religion and Ethics- Mormonism), a man named Brigham Young, migrated with the following Mormons to Salt Lake City, Utah in 1847, for they feared for their lives. Today, the prophet and president of the Church is Thomas S. Manson residing in Salt Lake City, Utah. Salt Lake City, Utah is the home of the Mormon Church headquarters. Mormons are Christians. Mormons are people that believe in God just like Christians; just with different views like many people do on God. What do Mormons believe? What do they expect from others? Many questions are asked throughout the whole history of Mormonism. Mormons believe that God has a plan for us, before we were born, during our living years, and after we die, in which the beliefs are put into the Articles of Faith. This is a guide to Mormon beliefs. The following hopefully answers some questions that people might have. Mormons are believers of God, the almighty and wise. God was the creator of all, and loves everyone. Mormonism beliefs are similar to that of other religions, but with some differences. Though Mormons believe that God will bring us happiness in this life and eternal life, they also believe that the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is only found in the Church of Ladder-Day Saints. Mormons believe that human beings can become like gods, though they would remain loyal to God himself. Mormons also believe that their church restores Christianity to the way it should have been at the time of the Apostles. How about that Mormons believe in living prophets, like Abraham and Moses. Mormons also believe that humans lived with God before humans were born. Mormons do not believe in the Trinity. They believe that â€Å"Godhead† is made up of three distinct beings who are in â€Å"one purpose† not one being. The â€Å"Spirit† has a special mission to guide and teach as well as to comfort human souls. For the other beliefs that Mormons have, they are that we are able to have salvation when we die, and that we will be resurrected after we die. Christians follow the Bible and Muslims follow the Qua’ran, so do Mormons follow any of these texts of religion? In a way yes, Mormons believe that the Bible is the â€Å"word of God† (if correctly translated), but that it has many mistakes within it. They follow the Bible, if it is the authorized version of King James. Another text that Mormons use is that of their own. The Book of Mormon, to teach and study, in some ways the Mormons bible. The Book of Mormon tells the story of God’s dealings of American Continent. The Book of Mormon was first established by Mormon himself. He was a prophet, who put the words on plates of gold. When he passed, his son, Moroni buried the plates for safekeeping. In 1823, Moroni came to Joseph Smith and told him where he could find the plates. Joseph Smith later put them on paper, which became the Book of Mormon. (Bushman, 1984) Mormons came to believe that Book of Mormon is the unaltered word of God, and for that, is why they foll ow this book. How is family important to an individual? For the Mormon Church members, family is everything. The Mormon people believe that the family unit is the one of the most important things we, as humans, can do on this earth. Family starts with the foundation of husband and wife, for Mormons only support the marriage of man and woman. They are married in the Mormon temple, as long as they are worthy. The Mormon family believes in raising a family in certain ways, which they look to the â€Å"The Family: Proclamation to the World† for guidance. Both the man and woman are present all throughout the child’s life in Mormon homes. Though it is encouraged that the woman stay home and raise the children, if financially she is unable the man could stay home instead. For if this was the case, husband and wife of the Mormon family would pray to God for guidance. If it works best for them, financially and emotionally than it is accepted. For noone can take personal possessions to heaven, such as money or jobs but it is believed that in God’s plans family can be together forever. (mormonbeliefs.) Another belief that Mormons share with one another is the purpose of having Mormon Temples. These temples are places of sanctuary from evil influences, place for reflection and inspiration and many more reason. One, who is not Mormon, cannot enter a temple once the temple has been dedicated, but before that a person is allowed to take a tour of these temples. When on tour of these temples, they can see the baptistery, the endowment room, celestial room, and the sealing room. The sealing room is where marriages take place, but if anyone ever gets invited to a Mormon wedding make sure you are Mormon and worthy, for if not they are not allowed to tend a wedding in the temple. Temples are for the highest sacraments of the Mormon religion, and to maintain that one has to keep the commandments and repent when they do fall short. One has to also obtain a temple recommend from one’s bishop in order to enter the temple. Once a Member of the Church enters the temple, they must change out of their street clothes into all white temple garments. Mormons have practices and holidays just like everyone else. Like for, example Mormons are prohibited to drinking alcohol, tea or coffee. They are not allowed to smoke or do any illegal drugs. The exclusion of all this is part of their health code called Word of Wisdom. Mormons have special under garments called temple garments, which both man and woman wear if they took part in a washing and anointing ceremony in the Mormon temple â€Å"endowment†. Some holidays that Mormons have are Pioneer Day, for this holiday symbolizes the first entry of Mormons into Salt Lake City. Mormons celebrate all other holidays, but Christmas and Easter are the two main holidays that are celebrated for these holidays are the days of birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Two other special days to Mormons are that of April six, the anniversary of the founding LDS church in New York City (1830), and May 15, the day that John the Baptist came to see Joseph Smith. (religionfacts.) Remember that knock at the door, with that unfamiliar face standing on the other side holding a book, which looks like the Bible? Did that person ask for a minute of your time, for he or she wanted to discuss God, Jesus Christ? Well, most likely that person was a missionary from the Mormon Church. These missionaries believe that to â€Å"teaching all nations† comes spreading the Gospel from door to door or from countries to countries. Missionary work is the cornerstone of the Mormon Church, for it brings a great deal of members to this religion. Missionary work is done throughout the world, with one thing on the missionaries mind, and that is to basically teach faith, repentance, and baptism for the remission of sins. Missionaries also teach the Godhead, plan of salvation, importance of prophets, and the importance of Joseph Smith. Missionaries give up work and family to go on missions, for missionaries believe that this is their calling. A recent interview with a church member of a local Church of Jesus Christ, another name for a Mormon Church (information disclosed on names and locations, as a request from them), led me to be more confused than I was before starting this paper. With 10 questions to ask, some not answered, with a member of the Church. As I started my interview, the man, we will call Joe, assured me that he would answer the best that he could but there were things that he could not go in-depth with. I started out my interview with a simple question of, can anyone be Mormon? His response was â€Å"yes, as long as they repent and abide by the commandments of the church.† Alright, I said, well in two bible scriptures (Amla 18:26-28 and John 4:24) it says that God is a spirit, yet the Mormon Church believes that God is an exalted man with a body flesh and bones. Why is that? He tells me that â€Å"it is meant that God has a spirit†. On and on I questions with many of them having simple a nswers, than I asked why Mormons believe in baptizing the dead. â€Å"They believe that after death people go to a â€Å"spirit world† to wait to be judged. There they learn if they did not have the chance to learn the Mormon way on earth† Why does Mormon Church teach that we can be married in heaven when Jesus said in Matthew 22:0 that in the resurrection men neither marry, nor are they given in marriage? Joe’s response was â€Å"That is referring to an earthly marriage, not a marriage with the priesthood authority†. I read in some of my material that Jesus died not just on the cross for us, but in a garden called Gethsemane, â€Å"He paid both in the garden and on the cross† but that was all Joe told me, Joe would not tell me why he believed it. My last question to Joe was about polygamy. Knowing that many people think of polygamists as Mormons, what is the actual stand on this through the religion? â€Å"Though we don’t condone it or accept it, we do not condemn them for it. We currently do not practice polygamy, and do not associate ourselves with those who do as the same Mormon religion as them. They are â€Å"splinter† of the actual Mormon religion.† So, what does Mormon have in common with Christianity? Well, first off the Mormon religion is Christianity. Mormonism is the 4th largest Christian denomination in America with about six million members in the United States alone. Christians believe that the church is a place of various believers and a group of believers where Mormons believe that their church is the only true church. Christians follow the Holy Bible as the only religious text where Mormons follow the Bible (in a way) along with the Book of Mormon. Both Christianity and Mormonism believe in the resurrection and recognize Christmas and Easter. There are over 13 million Mormons in 176 countries, and although Mormonism is a religion of different beliefs than other religions, it still is a religion. Anyone can become a Mormon, as long as they follow the certain beliefs, texts, and ways of Mormon living. Mormonism may be different from other religions but what actual religion is not different. As humans we all have different views on religions and how we should live. To judge a person is not our responsibility for God is the only true judge. 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War Propaganda Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

War Propaganda - Essay Example Therefore, the poster is both appealing to the male population while being simultaneously convincing. The use of the American flag combined with a soldier blowing a trumpet is appealing. The actions of the soldier rhyme with the poster’s message â€Å"the call to Duty†. Additionally, the poster invokes patriotism in people who happen to view it. Thus, they view that it is their duty to join the army and defend their home country from invaders or enemies. Moreover, the poster’s simplicity is quite attractive. It implies that it is every citizen’s duty to be in the armed forces. The poster is catchy since it uses children in its campaign. Naturally, children tend to influence their parent’s decisions and choices. Thus, a child will encourage his/her parents to purchase war saving stamps. Also, the poster signifies that Uncle Sam cares for his children since one of the children is sitted in his arm. In addition to this, the poster’s message can be interpreted to mean that the war is going on for the sake of protecting American children from their enemies. Therefore, I like the use of children in war posters in an attempt to attract more support for the army. If Uncle Sam loses the war, it’s the children who suffer the most, hence the need for children to support the American army. I chose this poster mainly because its message is based on democracy. It implies that anyone joining the army would help spread democracy to regions experiencing dictatorial rule. Thus, the army will be liberating the rest of the world from oppression. On the other hand, the poster ensures that every American citizen is thinking and believing that the main reason America’s involved in the war is to spread democracy around the world. This is a clever way to manipulate the public by the government. Since time immemorial, the good side has always been fighting for democracy and liberation from dictators. Due to the poster basing its