Introduction

Is management necessary?

I would rst suggest that we have a course called management so it is necessary, however let`s
read about the company Morning Star. In the rst reading there are advantages and
disadvantages of management and a case sharing the success of Morning Star. The second
reading is another case about Gore & Associates. This second case applies the hierarchy of
needs by Maslow and concludes with the importance of needs for the right people.

The third reading published by Harvard Review shares the concept of purpose and that
businesses are more than just money generating machines. Let`s consider these stories
together as we learn more about management philosophy and practices.

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Topic 5.1: Management Practices

Professor Commentary

How important is management?

Managers are expensive, have the risk of bad judgement, perhaps have slow decision making
skills, and do not always encourage employees to do their best.

✏ Learning Activity

In Your Learning Journal:

Read about Morning Star and in your own words explain how they are
successful.

What are the advantages and disadvantages listed in the article?

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Topic 5.2: Management Philosophy

Professor Commentary

Gore and Associates have a unique framework for management. The core belief is the need to
take a long-term view in business situations and have employees all workers in the same boat.
The control is shared and the goal is to look forward.

The story about being on board applies to goals and decisions. All staff has the right to look at
the big picture and determine if the action they are considering will sink the ship?

✏ Learning Activity

In Your Learning Journal:

Apply Maslow`s hierarchy of need to the culture of Gore. What belongs
to the top of the traditional Maslow’s hierarchy?

How important are the people of the company?

What is the waterline?

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Topic 5.3: Connecting Practices,
Philosophy, Structure, and Culture

Professor Commentary

This reading again is reaching to advance theory in management. This reading connects the
goals of business to those of being socially responsible. The goals of long-term focus are key to
success and developed via strong institutional values.

GE and Walmart rede ne their missions to include producing social as well as economic value.

✏ Learning Activity

In Your Learning Journal:

Research GE and Walmart and review their missions.

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Summary

What do you think now? Can all companies operate like Morning Star? Why or why not? What
is the difference? Think about the fact that morning star is not a service. Can you think of other
companies that operate without management? Gore and Associates offer the idea that
everyone is in it together. GE and Walmart have many managers and still offer the desire to do
well for society.

All three readings are looking to the future for success! Are you looking to the future?

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