Management refers to the art and science of coordinating the human resource towards the achievement of desired goals using the available resources. The four functions of management are affected by a number of factors that are classified into two broad classes; internal and external factors. Innovation and ethics are but some of the factors that affect the four functions of management. This paper will explain how they affect the functions of management using specific examples.
Innovation
In management, improvement of existing processes is required in order to gain competitive advantage that is a prerequisite for success. During planning, one of the functions of management, innovativeness is required in order to position a business ahead of others. For example, using cutting edge technology in the delivery of services can increase efficiency and effectiveness thereby edging out ones competitors. Therefore, innovativeness affects planning in a way of transformative thinking so as not only to focus on adding value on certain products and services but also looking at improving the process that could potentially lead to new products.
According to Kotter & Cohen, (2002) innovativeness has an impact in the function of controlling. Businesses operate with limited resources. Therefore, it is imperative for a manager to come up with innovative ideas that lead to optimizing the limited resources. For instance, coming up with ways of reducing the cost of operating a business can ensure the optimal usage of the available resources. The utilization of time in the operations of a business is also noteworthy. In the controlling of the operations of the business, the manager should tap on innovativeness in order to bring time to its best use.
Cohesion amongst the workers in a business is of paramount importance. Precisely, it is equally vital that that manager exercises caution when executing the leading and/or organizing function of management. Through innovative ideas, the workforce can be led and/or organized in ways that they complement each other thereby achieving cohesion (Kotter & Cohen, 2002). For instance, managers can employ team building activities in order to strengthen the team spirit in the workforce.
Ethics
The term ethics refers to those rules that set apart what is right from what is wrong. Matters ethics are different from matters of the law. Something can be legal but considered unethical in certain contexts. Ethics has an impact on the four functions of management. The functions of management are governed by the provisions of the code of ethics that is adopted by a business. Many organizations, in an attempt to incorporate ethics into the operations, have adopted a code of ethics that affects the four functions of management at every level.
For instance, matters pertaining conflicts of interest are resolved by the code of ethics. Since every staff member is required to abide by the provisions of the code, the management has to act by the provisions. For example, the procurement officer cannot award a tender to a supplies firm owned by his kin. The human resource manager cannot ignore procedure to hire a friend. During organizing and leading, the decision making process is governed by ethics (Smith & Winterfeldt, 2004). As part of the controlling function, ethical programs are designed to detect violations and deal with them in a timely manner.
During the planning function, ethics becomes an exceedingly significant factor in regulating the processes. It is at this level that the vision and future undertakings of a business are struck. The means of achieving the goals set out are also outlined. The means have to be consistent with the ethical principles enshrined in the code of ethics and those embraced by the society at large. For instance, corruption is evil and unethical. Therefore, the management cannot set out to meet their goals through corrupt dealings.
Conclusion
Innovation and ethics go hand in hand during management. Innovative ideas should be governed by ethical grounds. That way, the products of the four functions of management will be sustainable and transformative in the society.
References
Kotter, P. & Cohen, S. (2002). The Heart of Change. Boston. Harvard Business School
Publishing.
Smith, J. & Winterfeldt, D. (2004) Decision Analysis in Management Science. Management
Science.50. (5) 561-574
