MARKETING/MANAGEMENT - BUSINESS

The Manager

The Manager

Today's rapidly changing technological and business environment has given multiple benefits to businesses and changed the way of managing organisations (Cleland & Roland, 2006). There is no doubt about the fact that modern way of management has allowed businesses to improve their ability to make decisions, plan, organise, lead and control organisation in an efficient way, which actually leads an organisation to meet its goals (Willmott, 2005). It is a fact that success of every organisation in today's competitive marketplace depends on the quality of human resource that it acquires. Similarly, the importance of managers in success of organisations cannot be denied as they play a vital role in providing leadership, management and administration to run the organisation the way it is supposed to.

Managers' role is very influential in facilitating organisations to attain their business goals through the effective use of management theories. It is essential to know that managers mainly contribute in organisation's success by employing management theories at all level of management including top, middle and first line (Scully and Blake 2006, p.13).

On the other hand, there are some organisations that have introduced a modern style of running organisation without placing people with the title of 'Manager'. No one can deny the fact that running any organisation without manager can be seen as a challenge to the nature of management as management is generally described as a way of getting tasks done from the people. Valve Corporation is an American It company that develops computer games and web-based video games. The most interesting thing about the company is that Valve does not believe in hiring managers or running a company through managers (Phillips 1993).

Theoretical Framework

Classical Organisational Theory

Classical management theory, in this regards, is usually seen as a vital management theory as it provides a more detailed method for organisational structure. Henri Fayol, Lyndall Urwick and Max Weber significantly support the classical management theory as it focuses on both the bureaucratic and administrative characteristics of the organisation (Parcells 1995, p.51). Weber mainly emphasises to reduce any ambiguity from organisational management, routines and procedures. In addition, he also argues that value-oriented approach of western civilisation has been shifting to more technocratic approach that enables organisations to have technically possible outcome.

In fact, Valve can get some benefits from the Classical organisational theory as it presents a framework for ideal organisational structure that includes documentation of policies and procedures, classification of labour in accordance with functional capabilities, clear organisational hierarchy and merit-based growth of employees. According to researchers, the role of management is viewed as an effective working mechanism to achieve its goals in an organised manner (O'Neill 2001, p.43). Similarly, Foyal also believes that organisations should be run on management principles rather than relying on personal traits of its individuals. It can also be seen that Classical Management Theory has five management principles including planning, organizing, commanding, coordinating and controlling. It is also essential to discuss that effective or partial use of the classical organisational theory will have ...