Management Paper

Question

Please answer the following questions
1) How would a manager use systematic thinking and intuitive thinking in problem-solving? Give examples. 

2) You are under a lot of pressure because the problem situation involves social loafing and poor performance by one of your team members. You have come up with a reason to remove him from the team. But, you feel very uneasy about it. As a team leader, what do you do now? Describe each step of your process. 
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Answer

Question 1

In complex organizational settings, managers often face the challenge of applying either the systematic or intuitive thinking approach to solve particular problems. However, it should be noted that while both approaches yield success, there are certain circumstances in which systematic thinking may be preferred to intuitive thinking and vice versa. Managers who employ systematic thinking often follow a set of logically associated steps that hail from problem identification all the way through formulation to the testing of the preferred solution. In most cases, they apply measures such as data collection, logic, and quantitative analysis to come up with a viable solution. On the other hand, intuitive managers have a tendency to rely heavily on experiences and intuition.

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According to Baron, the stepwise approach advanced in systematic thinking encourages broader information research, yields better solution planning and leads to the consideration of the possible implications of the chosen course of action (30). For instance, an issue in inventory control can better be handled by applying this model primarily because issues related to inventory management require that certain steps are followed in a precise manner, from identification of incoming stock to record keeping. Managers who use systematic thinking in such a situation are more likely to succeed than their intuitive counterparts.

In contrast, certain organizational problems cannot be solved using systematic thinking. For example, advertising is one crucial area in an organization that is not easily systematized. It calls for the coming together of intuitive thinkers to formulate creative and proactive ways to advertise the company’s products and services. Moreover, intuitive managers are in a better position to address this issue because they have prior knowledge regarding which techniques are appropriate based on their experiences in the field. Theypossess the ability to determine which methods will prevail to boost sales performance and bring about better returns on investments (ROIs).

Nevertheless, when weighed against the intuitive approach,systematic problem solving approach not only leads to better quality solutions but also saves on time. Furthermore, this approach is highly advantageous in problems that are complex and where the problem solvers are relatively inexperienced (Rivlin 23). Fortunately, both approaches can be successfully applied in different situations and can complement each other in the event that a model is developed to amplify their respective dynamics.

Question 2

            Poor performance by employees and social loafing are serious issues that have the potential to affect the entire organization if left unaddressed.Social loafing is best described as a phenomenon whereby individuals decrease their efforts when performing in groups as opposed to when they work alone (Ying et al. 465). This problem arises particularly when individuals feel like their contributions do not really matter; hence they decrease their efforts (Ying et al. 466).

            In this case, I will first hold a meeting with the Human Resource Department to review the situation and gather all the relevant minutes from the team meetings. Secondly, I willinform the team about the dismissal of this particular individual and request them to shift their focus to developing appropriate strategies to handle the workload until a new member is recruited. Thirdly, I will hold a private meeting with the poor performer and inform him/her of his/her dismissal. At this point, all logistical questions will be addressed such as whether there will be severance arrangements and many others. Finally, I will hold a meeting with team members and talk them through the process, the reasoning behind it all and the implications it may have on them. Of course I will address this issue within the confines of confidentiality requirements. Regardless of their reactions, I will help them redirect their focus on the tasks ahead to prevent any negative impact on their productivity levels.

Works Cited

Baron, Jonathan. Thinking and deciding. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000.Print.

Rivlin, Alice M. Systematic thinking for social action. Washington, DC: Brookings Institution Press, 2015.Print.

Ying, Xiangyu, et al. “Group laziness: The effect of social loafing on group performance.” Social Behavior and Personality: An International Journal 42.3 (2014): 465-471. Print.