INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS STRATEGY

International Business Strategy

International Business Strategy

Statement

Critically evaluate the left-brained Organization approach and its implication for strategic planning in the transnational Organization.

Introduction

When we say "left-brained" thinking, or say someone is "left-brained," we usually mean that they are very logical and structured in their thinking. They are "in the box" with most of their innovation ideas. It doesn't mean they are not innovative! They want to understand the details and practicality of an idea, not just its concepts (www.stepinsidedesign.com). They have a concern for timing, schedules, standards and deadlines. They have a tendency to want to understand the "chain of command" and the approval structure within an organization to turn an idea into a practical business concept. An extreme "left-brainer" would be someone who believes that an organization should never do anything that's not in the handbook or relate to an existing business or technology competence (www.business-strategy-innovation.com).

A major business unit manager may need to be in the middle when contemplating either a major product recall, or possibly a newly issued competitive patent that threatens a major busines. We need both within an organization. Consider a breakthrough new product created by a team of right brainers (www.ecmconnection.com). All those detail things necessary in the real world of today's business. It is difficult for a new product to change its basic nature in that it still requires a large number of "left-brained" steps to bring it to market. The point here is that we need, and need to understand, both types of thinking in the normal running of an organization and in its attempts to be more innovative.

Discussion

The misconceived notion is that left-brain business models (logical thinking, planning and analysis) take the place of and ultimately sacrifice creativity and passion. Yet with the right amount of rigorous planning, a creative team with left-brain skills can function more efficiently and produce innovative solutions (www.mckesson.com). Creative firms that develop organizational strategies, systems and tools for staff management that are customized to their unique needs ensure an organizational structure that leverages each employee's particular skill set and salary level, while at the same time improving overall morale and productivity.

Leadership vs. Management

Two of the most important functions to consider when developing your group's organizational structure are those of leadership and management (www.innovationtools.com). In a small business or department, one person is often thrust into the position of both leader and manager. Yet there is an inherent difficulty in blending and balancing these two very different roles, which require distinct and innate skill sets.

The infamous expression “a fish rots from the head down” succinctly summarizes what happens when a leader is ineffective. The leader's primary role is that of the team visionary, shaping goals that influence behaviors. Leaders champion both clients and staff alike, exerting influence and taking initiative. Stephen Covey put it best in his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: “Management is efficiency in climbing the ladder of success; leadership determines whether the ladder is leaning against the right ...