Strategic Alignment
What is strategic alignment, and why is it critical to achieving organizational goals?
Strategic alignment is the process of aligning an organization’s goals with its strategies and actions. It ensures all resources are focused on shared objectives.
According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, what is the most basic level of needs employees must have fulfilled before moving up the hierarchy?
Physiological needs, such as food, water, and shelter.
Define corporate social responsibility (CSR).
CSR is a company’s commitment to manage its social, environmental, and economic impact responsibly.
What is the primary responsibility of a manager?
To plan, organize, lead, and control resources to achieve organizational goals.
What is the key to effective workplace communication?
Clear, concise, and consistent messaging.
Name one company famous for its well-aligned supply chain strategy and explain one reason why it is effective.
Amazon; its supply chain is effective due to its advanced technology, real-time tracking, and efficient delivery systems
What are Herzberg’s two main factors in his motivation theory, and how do they influence employee satisfaction?
Hygiene factors (like salary, working conditions) prevent dissatisfaction, while motivators (like recognition, growth opportunities) drive satisfaction
Why are ethical practices important in maintaining a company’s reputation?
Ethical practices build trust, foster loyalty, and prevent reputational damage from unethical behavior.
Define delegation and explain its importance in managerial effectiveness.
Delegation is assigning tasks to subordinates. It frees managers for strategic tasks and empowers employees.
What role does active listening play in managerial communication?
Active listening ensures managers understand employee concerns and build trust.
What are the key elements of strategic alignment in an organization?
Key elements include leadership commitment, resource allocation, communication, and continuous evaluation
Name McClelland’s three acquired needs.
Need for achievement (personal accomplishment), need for power (influence), and need for affiliation (building relationships
Name one company that exemplifies CSR
Patagonia
Name one major time management challenge for managers and a strategy to overcome it.
Challenge: Excessive meetings. Strategy: Use agendas and prioritize essential participants.
Define integrative negotiation and give an example.
A win-win negotiation where both parties collaborate to create value. Example: Negotiating flexible work hours that benefit both employer and employee
Give an example of a failure in strategic alignment and its consequences.
When a company prioritizes rapid innovation and new product development without adequately aligning its internal operations, Sales team not aligned with marketing strategy, HR practices not aligned with company growth goals, IT systems not supporting new business models.
What is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivators? Provide an example of each.
Intrinsic motivators arise from internal satisfaction, e.g., learning a new skill. Extrinsic motivators come from external rewards, e.g., bonuses.
What is the connection between ethics and organizational performance?
Ethical practices improve decision-making, enhance employee morale, and increase customer loyalty, leading to better financial performance.
What is “managing by wandering around” (MBWA), and how does it help managers?
MBWA involves managers visiting employees informally. It improves communication and builds relationships.
What are two common barriers to effective communication in organizations?
Lack of clarity in messages and cultural differences
How does strategic alignment improve organizational performance across departments?
It enhances cross-functional collaboration, ensures resources are used efficiently, and reduces redundancies, leading to improved performance.
How can a manager effectively use autonomy, recognition, and growth opportunities to motivate employees?
By giving employees control over their work (autonomy), appreciating their contributions (recognition), and offering career development opportunities (growth).
How can companies implement ethical accountability mechanisms?
By establishing a code of conduct, providing ethics training, and creating anonymous whistleblowing channels.
How can managers balance long-term strategic goals with daily operational challenges?
By setting priorities, delegating tasks, and maintaining flexibility in resource allocation.
How can managers use nonverbal communication to reinforce their leadership?
Through confident body language, consistent tone, and maintaining eye contact to convey trust and authority.