This document discusses the ideal qualities of an American business manager. It states that American business is primarily focused on making profits. An ideal manager would carefully study the internal and external environments of their company to help it effectively compete in the marketplace. Effective business plans can be formulated by drafting the company's mission, vision and values, analyzing opportunities and threats, strengths and weaknesses, and performing a SWOT analysis.
After planning, a manager's most important job is human relations. They must consider corporate ethics, environmental responsibility, and managing a diverse workforce. An ideal manager understands the value of customers and employees. They need to be an effective, inspirational leader who surrounds themselves with trustworthy people and has open communication.
1. MGMT 330 Final Suarez, K
The ideal American Business Manager
Throughout the course, we have covered several aspects which, if and when applied, will
no doubt allow us to become “ideal” - or at least better – managers. American business is, first
and foremost, about making profits. It is because of such attitude that American companies have
been able to grow and expand on multinational levels as they have. An intelligent manager
would be careful to study both the internal and external environments that surround the company
he or she is working for in order to better prepare a plan that will allow said company to
effectively compete in the marketplace.
Once the above conditions are analyzed, a plan geared towards strategy implementation
can be formulated. Managers will be wise to involve everyone within the working environment
in the formulation of strategies, at some level or another. From executive management to bottom
level performers, managers should consider every possible aspect and plan for contingencies
when formulating and implementing a company’s business plan.
Effective business plans can be formulated in a number of ways, starting with the drafting
of a company’s mission, vision and values, analysis of external opportunities and threats,
analysis of internal strengths and weaknesses and SWOT analysis. Plans for monitoring the
strategy should be in place as well, so that it can be adjusted following performance.
After planning, perhaps the most important job for any manager is geared towards human
relations. In this day and age, corporate ethics and environmental responsibility are highly
desirable values to have in any company, as consumers demand better products and services,
faster delivery times and best value for their money. As damage to the environment grows,
consumers are getting more and more involved with sustainable development efforts, and
companies that take an active role in its preservation have a higher acceptance rate in customers’
eyes. Ikea is a perfect example of this practice, with several programs focused on this endeavor.
An area in which American managers must definitely make an extra effort and go beyond
average standards, is in the management of a diverse workforce. Although America is a country
that purportedly supports diversity, American business practices that are truly considerate of this
viewpoint are not easy to observe. Too often minority rights are relegated and there is no true
support system within American companies for interaction with different cultures, both within
the organization and with external customers.
Any manager of any business on earth must understand first the value of its customers,
and then the value of its workforce. Human resources management must be supportive and
effective in keeping employees motivated in working for the company they are employed with.
The amazing system of Google is an absolute rarity, and due to the 24/7 nature of Google’s
business, the intelligence with which its human resource management is handled is not just to be
admired but imitated, at least on some levels, by all companies.
Last but not least, managers need to be effective, inspirational leaders. Like our own
Richard Siegel at Westgate Resorts says: “if you are leading and nobody is following, you are
just taking a walk”. Unfortunately he is taking a walk, but managers in general should surround
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2. MGMT 330 Final Suarez, K
themselves by people who are not just nice but effective, who will be trustworthy and
courageous to deliver the bad news when it happens. On the manager’s behalf, he or she should
be approachable and have open lines of communication with everyone on their team, an inspiring
personality and a mindset that keeps the system, and those in it, moving forward regardless of the
circumstances.
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