1.
Definition & benefits of Strategic Management
It is said that organizations must have a competitive advantage to have a higher
profitability than the average profitability for all companies in its industries. In order to do
so, organizations must plan about strategies that managers can employ in order to
improve performances and to achieve competitive advantage. Strategic management
are defined as a set of decisions and actions taken by a manager that determine the
outcome of the firm's performance. Managers should conduct SWOT Analysis to
maximize the use of strength, minimize organizational weakness, capitalize on
emerging opportunities from the business environment, and avoiding neglecting threats.
Strategic management is nothing more than planning for both predictable and
improbable contingencies. Even the smallest organizations face competition and can
achieve a sustainable competitive advantage by developing and implementing
appropriate strategies. Strategic management offers many benefits to companies that
use it, including:
Competitive advantage: Strategic management provides businesses with an
advantage over competitors because its proactive nature ensures that your
company is always aware of changing market conditions.
Achieving goals: Strategic management aids in the achievement of goals by
utilizing a clear and dynamic process for developing steps and implementing
them.
Sustainable growth: It has been demonstrated that strategic management leads
to more efficient organizational performance, which leads to manageable growth.
Cohesive organization: Strategic management necessitates company-wide
communication and goal implementation. An organization that works together to
achieve a goal is more likely to succeed.
Increased managerial awareness: Strategic management entails planning for the
future of the company. Managers who do this on a regular basis will be more
aware of industry trends and challenges. They will be better prepared to face
future challenges if they implement strategic planning and thinking.
2. Business Ethics & Strategic Management
The term "ethics" comes from the Greek word ethos (character) and the Latin
word mores (customs). In philosophy, ethics defines what is good for the individual and
what is good for society, as well as the nature of the duties that people owe themselves
and one another. The difference between ethics and business ethics is that business
ethics are about business. The standards for morally right and wrong business behavior
are referred to as business ethics. Business ethics improves the law by outlining
acceptable behaviors that are not under the control of the government. Organizations
must establish business ethics to encourage “High integrity and Honesty” among their
personnel’s and gain trust from key stakeholders, such as investors and consumers.
Companies are devoted in business ethics since it is an essential skill to avoid negative
implications. In addition to that companies are also creating ethical workplaces by hiring
the right talent. In today’s business, professionals must understand the relationship
between business ethics and business success.
Business ethics also drives employee behavior. According to the survey in 2018 Global
Business Ethics 99% of the employees who experienced strong ethics culture said that
they’re prepared to handle ethical issues. As a result of companies who advocates for
business ethics, it motivates their employees and perform their roles with integrity.
Another reason why business ethics is important is that it benefits the bottom line. A
well-implemented ethics program can improve profitability and reduce losses.
3. The Business Vision & Mission and its importance in Strategic Management
According to Jack Welch, he suggests that a vision is a key tool available to
executives to inspires the people in an organization. The vision of an organization
describes what it aspires to achieve its mission in the future. A vision statement that is
realistic, credible, and appealing attracts commitment and energizes its employees. A
well-thought-out vision statement also connects the present and the future while
establishing a standard for excellence. It also communicates the organization's purpose
to its employees and other stakeholders, inspiring them to achieve that goal.
Where in, the mission of an organizations states what is the reason for the
organization’s existence. It describes what the organizations does, how it does it, and
for whom it does. It is not long-term in nature, as opposed to the vision. It effectively
apprehends an organization’s identity and come up with answers to the question “Who
are we?”. To succeed, organizations must have the support of their key stakeholders,
which include employees, owners, suppliers, and customers. A mission statement that
engages stakeholders will help them understand why they should support the
organization and what important role or purpose the organization plays in society – also
known as a "social license to operate."
It will usually to have successes and failures in the strategic management of an
organizations. So, managers or leaders should celebrate even with the little
achievement towards their objective which part of the organizations mission and vision.
The mission helps the organization to measure the strategic plan whether it was aligned
with the overall goals of the agency. While the vision helps the employees to get
motivated and inspiration. Employees who believe they have a stake in the
organizational change are more likely to stay motivated and productive.
4. Characteristics and components of a Mission Statement
A mission statement is the reason why an organization is existed. It reflects the
organizations’ philosophy, identity, character, and their image. Mission statement can
also be likely known or inferred from management actions, decisions, or press
statements by the CEO. When explicitly defined, it informs both insiders and outsiders
about what the organization stands for. In order for a mission statement to be effective,
it must have the following characteristics.
1. It should be feasible. The mission must be realistic, achievable and should not be
an impossible statement and their supporters must believe them. However,
feasibility is determined by the resources available to work on a mission.
2. It must be precise. A mission statement should not be so narrow that it limits the
activities of the organization, nor should it be so broad that it becomes
meaningless.
3. It should be obvious. A mission should be specific enough to elicit action. It
should not be a resounding set of platitudes intended for public consumption.
4. It should be engaging. A mission statement should be motivating for members of
the organization and society, and they should find it worthwhile to work for or be
customers of such an organization.
5. It should be distinguishable. A mission statement that is too broad is unlikely to
have much impact.
6. It should highlight the key elements of strategy. The major components of the
strategy to be implemented should be indicated in a mission statement and the
organizational purpose.
7. It should specify how objectives are to be met. A mission statement, in addition to
indicating the broad strategies to be used, should also provide hints as to how
the objectives are to be met.