Reflection 390

LSBA 390 - Self Submission

Natahsha Prakash 
April 10, 2015

TUTORIAL I - Management Styles in the Workplace

For the semester of Spring 2015, I worked with Dr. Graham Cook from Sociology for what was my, out of order but, final tutorial before the graduation project. Having met with Graham late 2014, we decided to look into the various models of workplace management structures which included: Taylorism, Fordism, Japanese work culture, and cooperatives. Sparked from my own frustrations in entering a retail environment with manipulative management styles, and with my past mostly being in unionized environments - I was drawn to understanding the defining characteristics of popular management strategies. As a result, I walked away more critical and curious for different work places and how they are managed - turning my focus into cultivating effective leadership for the benefits of both employers and employees.

Previously, I have no theoretical understanding of management styles or the structures used but in using ‘Work, Industry, and Canadian Society’ by Harvey Krahn, Graham Lowe, and Karen Hughes as my main document gave me a firm understand on concepts as I later reflected on academic journals. In exploring the roots of Scientific Management, Taylorism, I was able to understand that it’s form is most effective in focusing exclusively on efficiency - essentially breaking tasks for maximizing output. Currently, work environments that adopt Taylorism are mostly seen in the fast food industry. Taylorism then influenced Fordism, a concept that embraced the idea of breaking down tasks with the division of labour but compared to Taylorism looked more into supporting employees by incorporating democratic processes for decisions. Cooperatives then highlighted the benefits of community and trade where members exercise self-help, self-responsibility, democracy and equality, equity and solidarity. The last structure examined was Japanese work cultures where it heavily reflects Asian family structures, were loyalty is the defining factor - unrelenting dedication to ones job even if it results in complicated health issues. 

As I looked into academic journals and news sources to look for the benefits, impacts (positive and negative), challenges, and solutions of these various styles - I was able to make real-world connections to notice trends and common issues. Having a better understanding of these applications, I am looking forward to further evaluating these structures to hopefully compare benefits with other alternatives promoted in business literature. 

As my last tutorial, it was last piece for giving a stronger sense of direction for my next steps in my graduation project. Starting in Fall 2015 with the six-credit graduation project I will be working with Dr. Lori Walker from the School of Communications to bring together the elements of Sociology, Psychology, Computer Science, and Business to identify the components of happy worker and work environment. Now having a good understanding of what common work place structures are and the impacts of them for works and relationships - it will allow me to pay close attention to interpersonal relationships.