Answer to Test Yourself on Management Viewpoints and Theories (Continued)

17.        Describe the three categories of e-business involvement.

                        The three main categories of e-business are: enhanced—using the Internet to enhance but not replace traditional ways of doing business; enabled—using the Internet to perform its traditional business functions better, but not to sell anything; total—whole existence is made possible by and revolves around the Internet

18.        Why should managers be concerned about innovation and flexibility?

            Without a constant flow of new ideas an organization is doomed to obsolescence or failure. Also, flexibility is required in a context where customers/needs may change overnight, where new competitors come and go quickly, and where employees and their skills are shifted as needed from project to project

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19.        What is TQM, and how is it affecting manager’s jobs?

            TQM is a philosophy of management driven by continual improvement and response to customer, employee, and supplier needs and expectations. It encompasses employees and suppliers as well as the people who purchase the organization’s goods or services. The objective of managers is to create an organization committed to continuous improvement in work processes.

20.        How does knowledge management fit into the concept of a learning organization?

            A learning organization is one that has developed the capacity to continuously learn, adapt, and change. Knowledge management involves cultivating a learning culture where organizational members systematically gather knowledge and share it with others in the organization in order to achieve better performance.

21.        What is workplace spirituality and how is it an issue that managers must deal with?

            Workplace Spirituality is “a recognition of an inner life that nourishes and is nourished by meaningful work that takes place in the context of community.” Workers, and society in general, are searching for a deeper understanding of who they are and why they’re here on Earth. They want more than just a steady job and a paycheck. Current research studies looking at the relationship between workplace spirituality and productivity have shown interesting results. Workplace spirituality is likely to be manifested in how managers treat employees and how employees’ contributions are respected and valued.

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