Winsome and its sister company need to take implement a comprehensive integration policy to increase their profitability levels, and make the two more competitive in the industry. The two most important departments in the Winsome company are the sales and marketing departments. These two departments are largely responsible for most of the communication as well as operational independence that exists between the two companies. The paragraphs to follow will outline, briefly, the effectiveness and overall scope of the project, its exclusions, and the limitations that exist. Moreover, the paragraphs also highlight the assumptions that will be made during the course of this project associated with the marketing and sales departments of Winsome Manufacturing.
Since the importance of the sales and marketing departments of Winsome Manufacturing are high, the project aims to create a more effective communications procedure between the two departments at Winsome, as well as with key personnel at the other company. Not only at Winsome, but the sales and marketing departments, or the communication between any two departments, are key to any company's success around the world. Without effective communication, there is always the risk of inter-departmental conflict which can hamper sales, productivity, profitability, as well as customer satisfaction and end up giving the company a bad reputation. The project aims to bridge the communication gap that exists by providing the sales representatives at Winsome better access to product information, as well as better contact with staff at the sister company. Similarly, the staff at the sister company will have a better communications channel with the marketing department at Winsome to enable more effective product marketing as well as better sales related training. Only when the two departments work together can the profitability levels at Winsome, and its sister company, rise. Therefore, the overall aim of the project is to derive a more cohesive, and ultimately, more effective communications channel between the two companies.
Although the project aims to strengthen the level of communication between the two companies, it is not without its limitations. The most notable barrier or the most prominent flaw is the problems that exist within the chain of command. The chain of command in different departments is hampered by separations, which ultimately disrupt proper inter-department communication and can even hamper the company from operating smoothly. There is a clear hierarchy that exists, and this is a major barrier to effective communication. Although there is nothing wrong with having a hierarchy exist in the department, the hierarchy can only work when there are no barriers to communication with two-way communication present. In addition, the separations in the chain of command can even cause the overall respect that exists between different levels of employees to slide down, which is damaging for long term success. To avoid such separations from coming to light, the project will not put forward any requirements for department managers. In addition, no member of the staff will be asked to change positions or any aspect of their operations. Instead, the project will modify and enhance existing positions so that the overall goals are met. This will be done through better training program so that all the employees understand the importance of effective communication.
As far as assumptions made during the project are concerned, it is assumed that the sales department is the key to profitability at both Winsome, and its sister company. This assumption has some strong foundations, as the sales department is ultimately responsible for the number of sales made, so, the higher the number of sales, the better the profitability levels. Moreover, although the sales department is the key to profitability, it is understood that the department can be made much more effective by having a greater amount of knowledge sharing with the marketing department. Not only will the knowledge sharing enable the sales department better to understand the method through which the product is being promoted to its target market, but also allow the sales department to work more cohesively and get their ideas across to the marketing department. Again, better integration between the sales and marketing departments is not only important at Winsome, but it is a known factor across the world as well. This is because better communication leads to better trust building, and with that, the need to double check every little detail is eradicated. Moreover, a breakdown of communication between two departments has a direct impact on the productivity and efficiency of the company, and can effect customer satisfaction as well. Lastly, the project takes into account the importance of human satisfaction as well. Although any sales success is measured by the numbers, the project takes into account factors such as confidence as well as satisfaction so that a more complete picture is obtained. As stated earlier, it is wholly important to gauge the levels of customer satisfaction, for if the customer is left unsatisfied, all the departments of the company have failed.
Works Cited
Tourish, D., & Hargie, O. (2004). Key issues in organizational communication (1st ed.). London: Routledge.
Grigsby, J. (1990). Inter-departmental communication and its effect on overall morale (1st ed.). Emmitsburg, MD: National Fire Academy.
Small Business - Chron.com,. (2014). The Importance of Communication Between Different Departments in an Organization. Retrieved 25 July 2014, from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/importance-communication-between-different-departments-organization-11901.html
