Discuss on Conscious Capitalism

Forum #1[1]

 

As described in this week’s reading, businesses have evolved from the traditional managing for profitability approach.  Smart businesses truly understand the connection between their internal and external stakeholders.  When it comes to effective management and sustainable profits, there are several key components that all businesses must consider.  Many businesses are now taking a triple bottom line approach.  Triple bottom line or TBL is a philosophy that does not focus solely on profitability.  TBL also focuses on the environmental impacts of its business dealings as well as the people in their organization and community (Miranda, n.d.).  When I read the articles for this week, the concept of conscious capitalism reminded me of the triple bottom line approach.

Servant leadership is also a component of conscious capitalism in regards to centering people.  Being in management and directly responsible for a group of 48 individuals, I have seen the benefits first hand of centering people.  At a recent conference I attended and presented at, I discussed the importance of developing programs that are sustainable to the industry that I work in.  At the end of my presentation.  I was asked about buy-in and how I was able to obtain buy-in to implement the radical programs that my company now follows.  I simply tied my experience back to the philosophy of servant leadership and the importance of effective communication, transparency and vision.  When employees understand the vision of a company and understand their role in obtaining the objectives and goals of the vision, they tend to be more productive in my experience.   Productivity will directly impact profitability.  In my case, I work in local government so our focus is not on profits and rather about being an effective public servant.

Companies who have embraced the concept of conscious capitalism are highly sought after in the job market.  A company who everyone knows well is Google.  Google has created a workplace like no other.  Google strives “ to create the happiest, most productive workplace in the world.”  (Stewart, 2013).  Stewart goes on to describe the play areas where professionals unwind, the cafe’s and coffee lounges that are all available at no cost the the employees and the five star breakfast, lunch and dinners afforded to all employees.  Google is one of the most profitable companies in the world and is one of the most highly sought after from job applicants.

Apple Inc. is another successful business who understands how to treat their large workforce.  Apple has over 90,000 employees worldwide according to recent numbers (Hattersley, 2016).  Although employees are sworn to secrecy for obvious reasons, Apple  understands the benefits of team building and in their corporate office, most of the small teams work independently according to Hattersley.  When employees are allowed to work freely, their creativity levels increase and Apple Inc. endeavors to be uniquely different from its competitors

Google and Apple are able to leverage sustained profits by increasing higher purpose for their employees.  Their profits continue to rise and their products and services continue to get better.  As discussed in the article titled ”Conscious Capitalism Is Not an Oxymoron”, conscious capitalism is a new way of thinking that embodies the human experience in way that innately drives profits while enhancing the experience for internal and external stakeholders (Mackey & Sisodia, 2013).  This deeper understanding and meaning is a model that all businesses should model.

References

Hattersley, L. (2016). What is it really like to work for Apple: Surprising tales from inside Cupertino and the Apple Store. Retrieved from http://www.macworld.co.uk/feature/apple/what-is-it-really-like-work-for-apple-3600678/

Mackey, J., & Sisodia, R. (2013). “Conscious Capitalism” is not an oxymoron. Retrieved from http://hbr.org/2013/01/cultivating-a-higher-conscious

Miranda, C. (n.d.). The breakthrough thinking of the triple bottom line. Retrieved from http://www.cultivatingcapital.com/business-sustainability-triple-bottom-line/

Stewart, J. B. (2013). Looking for a lesson in Google’s perks. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/16/business/at-google-a-place-to-work-and-play.html

 

Evaluate on Business Ethics

 

1              IN                          The most influential theory of corporate responsibility of the past century is:

 

 

 

A)           The moral minimum model.

 

 

 

 

 

B)            The classical model.

 

 

 

 

 

C)            The social contract theory.

 

 

 

 

 

D)           The stakeholder theory.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2              IN                          The ethical roots of the classical model of corporate social responsibility are found in which statement:

 

 

 

A)           The idea that the interests of stakeholders are as important as the interests of a corporation’s stockholders.

 

 

 

 

 

B)            The free market theory which holds that managers are ethically obliged to make as much money as possible for their stockholders because to do otherwise would undermine the very foundations of our free society.

 

 

 

 

 

C)            The ethical imperative to cause no harm.

 

 

 

 

 

D)           The ethical imperative to prevent harm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3              IN                          Which of the following reasons might a free market economic theorist use to justify the hostile takeover of a company?

 

 

 

A)           The takeover target company’s stock is undervalued. That is evidence that the resources are being inefficiently used.

 

 

 

 

 

B)            If current management is not maximizing profits, it is violating the utilitarian imperative to maximize the overall good.

 

 

 

 

 

C)            The organization seeking to take over the target company will maximize profits for the stockholders and will be serving the public’s interests because it is only by satisfying consumer (public) demand that a business can make profits.

 

 

 

 

 

D)           If the takeover target’s managers are using their stockholders’ money to serve interests other than those of the stockholders, they are stealing from them.

 

 

 

 

 

E)            All of the above.

 

 

 

 

 

F)            None of the above.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4              IN                          Which of the following statements does not represent a market failure, i.e., a situation in which the pursuit of profit will not result in a net increase in consumer satisfaction?

 

 

 

A)           The costs of pollution, groundwater contamination and depletion, soil erosion and nuclear waste disposal are borne by parties external to the economic exchange between buyer and seller.

 

 

Alaska Airlines Organizational needs

Case Study Analysis: Alaska Airlines Final Project

PLEASE SEE ATTACHED RUBRIC AND CASE STUDY. LOOKING FOR TWO MORE PARTS OF THIS PROJECT IF FIRST ONE IS DONE CORRECTLY. ORIGINAL WORK ONLY, APA FORMAT. 3-6 PAGES NOT INCLUDING COVER PAGE AND REFERENCES.

In the final project, you will be developing a change plan for the “Alaska Airlines: Navigating Change” case study. In The Heart of Change Field Guide: Tools and Tactics for Leading Change in Your Organization, Cohen explains what is required from the leader and other parts of the organization to incorporate Kotter’s steps successfully as a change intervention.

Review the case study “Alaska Airlines: Navigating Change” and then complete the following: (a) State what actually occurred in the case regarding Kotter’s first two steps of establishing a sense of urgency and creating the guiding team in a change effort and (b) address each of the critical elements for Section II parts A and B in your change effort analysis. Make sure to include your recommendations for implementing Kotter’s steps 1 and 2.

A. Create Urgency

  1. Describe a plan to create urgency within the organization and convince stakeholders that this change needs to take place.
  2. What processes currently exist for implementing change? How will these processes need to be updated for the proposed change?
  3. Describe the strategy you will use to get support from your employees. How will this strategy be effective?

B. Build a Guiding Coalition

  1. Identify who should be involved in this guiding coalition. Provide rationale for each choice. Kotter likes 50% leaders and 50% managers with experience, while others prefer the composition to be 33% leaders, 33% managers, and 33% informal leaders, but you can assemble the guiding coalition as you see fit.
  2. Determine steps you can take to ensure commitment from those involved. Describe those steps.
For additional details, please refer to the Milestone One Guidelines and Rubric document in the Assignment Guidelines and Rubrics section of the course.

Discuss, are there any risks associated with servant leadership

I need a 400 word discussion board post (excluding references). This post should contain 1 internal reference (a reference to a textbook page) and 1 external reference (a reference to a business journal/magazine article and should be about the following:

 

1)      In your opinion, are there any risks associated with servant leadership? List and briefly explain two risks.

2)      Is it possible to practice servant leadership in a computer-mediated environment (e.g., in a virtual team)? Why or why not? Please explain.

 

 

Our textbook is:  Northouse, P. G. (2016). Leadership: Theory and Practice (Seventh ed.). Los Angeles: Sage.

 

 

Forum #2 (response to peer)

 

I need a 400 word discussion board post (excluding references) to my classmates post. This post should contain 1 internal reference (a reference to a textbook page) and 1 external reference (a reference to a business journal/magazine article. My classmate posted the following:

 

Northouse call servant leadership “a paradox that runs counter to common sense” (Northouse, 2016).  I believe just as Northouse describes, servant leadership counters what we are taught to believe about leaders and defies the normal stigma of what leaders are expected to do.  There are certain roles and characteristics assigned and associated to both leaders and followers.  Risks come when defying the connotation associated with each role moves towards unconventional leadership styles. “Servant Leaders put followers first, empower them and help them develop their full capacities.” (Northouse, 2016)

 

Because servant leaderships “begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve” (Northouse, 2016) and focus less of institutional drive, many may perceive this attitude towards wanting to nurture employees as weak and unfocused.  More aggressive leaders who care only of personal gain and status elevation may perceive servant style leaders as easy targets.  There is risk in taking the time to ensure others needs are met before your own personal gains.

 

Another risk in using servant style leadership is that employees/followers may take ones kindness for weakness.  Because many leaders lead fiercely and aggressively, making little concern for the feelings and needs of followers, some employees may not know how to appreciate the gestures of servant leaders.  Some employees need leadership that guides, directs and regulates and may not know how to handle a leader who is nurturing and cares about building them instead of the wealth of the company first.

 

According to the article on Transformational versus Servant Leadership, “Servant leaders develop people, helping them to strive and flourish. Servant leaders provide vision, gain credibility and trust from followers, and influence others. (A. Gregory Stone, 2004). Ethics, trust, support and nurturing are common characteristics styles exhibited by servant leaders.  I believe it would be quite difficult to convey these attributes to employees over a computer based environment.  Take for instance our current online MBA courses.  While we are able to witness the different leadership/teaching styles that our professors use and compare how they differ, we are not able to identify which of them seem to be more trusting, moral and willing to nurture our personal goals.  Feelings are less substantiated in my opinion, via web based relationships versus person to person contact.  Body language, eye contact and in personal communication are all ways that empathy, openness and investment can be shown and felt.  The computer mediated environment is a less intimate version of communication.

How will the selling effort change when addressing these new broker needs?

I need a 400 word discussion board post (excluding references). This post should contain 1 internal reference (a reference to a textbook page) and 1 external reference (a reference to a business journal/magazine article and should be about the following:

 

1)      In your opinion, are there any risks associated with servant leadership? List and briefly explain two risks.

2)      Is it possible to practice servant leadership in a computer-mediated environment (e.g., in a virtual team)? Why or why not? Please explain.

 

 

Our textbook is:  Northouse, P. G. (2016). Leadership: Theory and Practice (Seventh ed.). Los Angeles: Sage.

 

 

Forum #2 (response to peer)

 

I need a 400 word discussion board post (excluding references) to my classmates post. This post should contain 1 internal reference (a reference to a textbook page) and 1 external reference (a reference to a business journal/magazine article. My classmate posted the following:

 

Northouse call servant leadership “a paradox that runs counter to common sense” (Northouse, 2016).  I believe just as Northouse describes, servant leadership counters what we are taught to believe about leaders and defies the normal stigma of what leaders are expected to do.  There are certain roles and characteristics assigned and associated to both leaders and followers.  Risks come when defying the connotation associated with each role moves towards unconventional leadership styles. “Servant Leaders put followers first, empower them and help them develop their full capacities.” (Northouse, 2016)

 

Because servant leaderships “begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve” (Northouse, 2016) and focus less of institutional drive, many may perceive this attitude towards wanting to nurture employees as weak and unfocused.  More aggressive leaders who care only of personal gain and status elevation may perceive servant style leaders as easy targets.  There is risk in taking the time to ensure others needs are met before your own personal gains.

 

Another risk in using servant style leadership is that employees/followers may take ones kindness for weakness.  Because many leaders lead fiercely and aggressively, making little concern for the feelings and needs of followers, some employees may not know how to appreciate the gestures of servant leaders.  Some employees need leadership that guides, directs and regulates and may not know how to handle a leader who is nurturing and cares about building them instead of the wealth of the company first.

 

According to the article on Transformational versus Servant Leadership, “Servant leaders develop people, helping them to strive and flourish. Servant leaders provide vision, gain credibility and trust from followers, and influence others. (A. Gregory Stone, 2004). Ethics, trust, support and nurturing are common characteristics styles exhibited by servant leaders.  I believe it would be quite difficult to convey these attributes to employees over a computer based environment.  Take for instance our current online MBA courses.  While we are able to witness the different leadership/teaching styles that our professors use and compare how they differ, we are not able to identify which of them seem to be more trusting, moral and willing to nurture our personal goals.  Feelings are less substantiated in my opinion, via web based relationships versus person to person contact.  Body language, eye contact and in personal communication are all ways that empathy, openness and investment can be shown and felt.  The computer mediated environment is a less intimate version of communication.

Discuss on Knowledge Management

 

Collison and Parcel state: “It’s difficult to manage knowledge, but you can create and nurture the environment for knowledge sharing to flourish.” Do you agree or disagree with this statement and why? What are some tools or processes to implement to create a flourishing environment?

With these thoughts in mind Post a statement (no less than 300 words) that expresses your thoughts.

Resources that are to be used for this 

* Course Text: Collison, C., & Parcell, G. Learning to fly: Practical knowledge management from leading and learning organizations(Updated ed. with free CD-ROM). West Sussex, UK: John Wiley & Sons Limited/Capstone Publishing Limited.

o Chapter 1, “Setting the Context”
Chapter 1 provides an overview of knowledge management, which sets the context and framework for the rest of the book. The chapter explains how learning before, during, and after performing any task is an imperative of knowledge management.
Focus on the overview of the chapter and the case study. Together, these two sections describe the relevance of knowledge management in today’s context.
o Chapter 2, “What Is Knowledge Management?”
Chapter 2 exemplifies knowledge management and helps you distinguish between tacit knowledge and explicit knowledge. In addition, the chapter describes the factors required to create an environment for perpetuation of knowledge.
Focus on knowledge management as a hybrid discipline and on activities that help manage knowledge.

o Chapter 3, “The Holistic Model—It’s More Than the Sum of the Parts”
Chapter 3 refers to knowledge management as a comprehensive subject and provides a holistic model that helps improve understanding. The chapter also explains how to apply the model consistently and use all parts of the model for knowledge management.
Focus on learning before, during, and after performing a task in order to understand the holistic model of knowledge management.

o Chapter 4, “Getting the Environment Right”
Chapter 4 emphasizes the creation of a conducive and corroborative ambience for sharing knowledge. The various challenges associated with creating an environment for flow of knowledge are described. In addition, you can see how peer processes can be used to improve knowledge sharing.
Focus on the community approach in knowledge sharing and on managing changes in order to continue the flow of knowledge in different situations.
o Chapter 5, “Getting Started—Just Do It”
Chapter 5 provides guidelines for beginning work. The chapter explains that it is important to conduct research before starting work on an assignment or a project. Learning can be derived from doing, and planning and reviewing your work is extremely important.
Focus on the summary and go through the contents of the “Learning to Fly” CD-ROM provided with the course text to understand the role of a knowledge manager

Managing Service Operatns

Case Reports: To prepare for a case report, you should read each case and analyze the data that it presents.  Try to use systematic thinking:

  1. Outline the major issues presented by the case;
  2. Identify the analytical techniques or frameworks appropriate for resolving the problem, and
  3. Outline steps to implement a specific course of action that is supported by the analysis.

The name of the case should be on the first page of the text with your names, date, and course number.  I will not accept executive summary. Papers should be concise and coherent.

You will submit (individually) a 2-page (double space) analysis of the case, shortly describing:

  1. The problem on hand
  2. Identifying the important points
  3. Recommending a solution approach.

This report will be submitted in Dropbox. Emailed reports will not be accepted.

Case Study Questions

  1. What additional (or alternative) measures would you recommend for improving Saintemarie’s ED performance?
  2. What operational problems is the Saintemarie Emergency Department facing? What is your assessment of the current performance and what do you think is driving these problems?
  3. How would you formulate performance targets for the ED?Case Reports: To prepare for a case report, you should read each case and analyze the data that it presents.  Try to use systematic thinking:
    1. Outline the major issues presented by the case;
    2. Identify the analytical techniques or frameworks appropriate for resolving the problem, and
    3. Outline steps to implement a specific course of action that is supported by the analysis.

    The name of the case should be on the first page of the text with your names, date, and course number.  I will not accept executive summary. Papers should be concise and coherent.

    You will submit (individually) a 2-page (double space) analysis of the case, shortly describing:

    1. The problem on hand
    2. Identifying the important points
    3. Recommending a solution approach.

    This report will be submitted in Dropbox. Emailed reports will not be accepted.

    Case Study Questions

    1. What additional (or alternative) measures would you recommend for improving Saintemarie’s ED performance?
    2. What operational problems is the Saintemarie Emergency Department facing? What is your assessment of the current performance and what do you think is driving these problems?
    3. How would you formulate performance targets for the ED?

Historical Ethical Dilemmas

INCLUDE AN ABSTRACT

Body of your paper: 5-6 page Paper
For this assignment, you should focus on the reading material for weeks 1-7. Also, use our library to support your positions.
The body of your paper: (5-6 Pages total in length)- Show me that you are attempting to support your thoughts with key material from our reading material AND outside sources:

Answer the following five questions:
1. What are some of the most common forms of unethical behavior in our workforce today? How could leadership in organizations help to minimize this ethical misconduct? Explain and support your positions with relevant course content and outside sources.
2. As our businesses have developed over the last 100 plus years, have our modern day businesses evolved to be more ethical today? What are some of the factors that helped you come to your conclusion? Take a position and support your thoughts.
3. Would you describe the financial meltdown in our 2007-2008 financial markets as a failure of “people” or of our “capital market processes”? Why? Support your thoughts with ethical theory and examples. Use our library for added research if needed.
4. Tell me about why diversity and discrimination are two important ethical factors that leaders should focus on while attempting to manage their workforce?  Provide one example of how mismanaging these issues have had an impact on an organization. How would you explain the importance of these to your employees?
5. Are corporate outreach and company sponsored volunteer programs a good idea for organizations to implement? Why? From an ethical leadership perspective, why would you choose OR not choose to implement these programs? Use course theory and specific examples to support your conclusion.

THIS IS AN APA PAPER AND YOU SHOULD FOLLOW APA format.

INCLUDE AN ABSTRACT

Body of your paper: 5-6 page Paper
For this assignment, you should focus on the reading material for weeks 1-7. Also, use our library to support your positions.
The body of your paper: (5-6 Pages total in length)- Show me that you are attempting to support your thoughts with key material from our reading material AND outside sources:

Answer the following five questions:
1. What are some of the most common forms of unethical behavior in our workforce today? How could leadership in organizations help to minimize this ethical misconduct? Explain and support your positions with relevant course content and outside sources.
2. As our businesses have developed over the last 100 plus years, have our modern day businesses evolved to be more ethical today? What are some of the factors that helped you come to your conclusion? Take a position and support your thoughts.
3. Would you describe the financial meltdown in our 2007-2008 financial markets as a failure of “people” or of our “capital market processes”? Why? Support your thoughts with ethical theory and examples. Use our library for added research if needed.
4. Tell me about why diversity and discrimination are two important ethical factors that leaders should focus on while attempting to manage their workforce?  Provide one example of how mismanaging these issues have had an impact on an organization. How would you explain the importance of these to your employees?
5. Are corporate outreach and company sponsored volunteer programs a good idea for organizations to implement? Why? From an ethical leadership perspective, why would you choose OR not choose to implement these programs? Use course theory and specific examples to support your conclusion.

THIS IS AN APA PAPER AND YOU SHOULD FOLLOW APA format.

Discuss and understand competitive position in global markets

Using the case study attached and the Diamond model for businesses to help them understand competitive position in global markets, discuss the combination of global strategies adopted by Heineken for its diverse portfolio of brands. Explain how van Boxmeer’s recent actions will help the firm deal with recent global challenges and suggest one or two other actions he could consider.

3.5 page double spaced, No plagiarism, please answer all questions thoroughly based on case study. 

Using the case study attached and the Diamond model for businesses to help them understand competitive position in global markets, discuss the combination of global strategies adopted by Heineken for its diverse portfolio of brands. Explain how van Boxmeer’s recent actions will help the firm deal with recent global challenges and suggest one or two other actions he could consider.

3.5 page double spaced, No plagiarism, please answer all questions thoroughly based on case study. 

Discussion- Communication

 Discussion- Communication

“Impressive Writing” Please respond to the following:

Share an example of a strategic, professionally written, strategic communication piece.

  • Identify the key message.
  • Detail how the organization and composition of the communication contribute to its effectiveness (4-8 sentences recommended).

Note: Remove any personal identifying information and language from the communication prior to sharing, or if it is from the Internet, provide a link to the source.

 

“Impressive Writing” Please respond to the following:

Share an example of a strategic, professionally written, strategic communication piece.

  • Identify the key message.
  • Detail how the organization and composition of the communication contribute to its effectiveness (4-8 sentences recommended).

Note: Remove any personal identifying information and language from the communication prior to sharing, or if it is from the Internet, provide a link to the source.c