The Most Challenging Aspects Of A Manager’s Job

Managers at staples face number of challenges on a regular basis according to the case study. Managers are responsible for managing all sorts of resources like financial, human, strategical etc. This must be done to survive in the constant changing environment. Below we will discuss the challenges that are to be dealt by the managers at staples. (Hitt et al, pg 13)Managing Changes: “Managing change is one of the most persistent, pervasive and powerful challenge with which all managers have to deal regardless of the nature of the nature of the firm or its geographical location. ” If the managers are new even, then also they are confronted with a need to change and an opportunity to create change. Managing a change is never an easy task as by human nature people are resistant towards change. The two major causes of change that a manager must address is new technology and globalization.

Change in technology: In today’s world a manager cannot ignore the impact of technology and the way it affects the business. Due to technological advancements managers are forced to make changes in the system even if they don’t want to do it. The continuous development of new technologies has increased the speed of change, flow of information to the international market. (A. Taylor, 2010) In 2003 Staples launched its EASY Brand Promise which was for easing the process of buying and experience for the customers. They had introduced well-trained associates to interact with the customers and help them in the process. Due to this initiative led to change in store design, signage checkout processes and product offerings.

Globalisation: The manager must observe what happens in the rest of the world because events at different countries affect their organisation. With Globalisation all the events happening around the globe will affect managers goals, decisions, and how thy will coordinate and lead the work of other people. (L. Deng and P. Gibson, 2009)With Globalisation by 2006 Staples was serving customers to 21 countries around the world through retail stores, mail-order catalogues, e-commerce and contract lines of business. Managing Resources: One of the manager’s job is managing the firm’s resources. It is the job of the manager that all the resources of the company are utilised to the fullest to maximise achieving the organisation’s goals. Among the resources the few important resources that a manager needs to take care of are financial capital, human resource, physical resources (Buildings, equipment) and technology. (D. G. Sirmon et al,2007)Staples follows principle of open communication and egalitarianism. The managers had weekly rallies where they discussed results and praised accomplishments. They treated every employee as equal so perks for the executives were discouraged like special offices, parking space and any other privileges. This could be one of the biggest challenges for the manager as these perks are tools for encouragement. But associates performance and ratings were celebrated with annual awards at local and national levels. This works towards managing the human resources. Managing the Finances: During the financial year the budget was adjusted as a result in changes in competitive landscape or due to introduction of new programs. The field could also lobby for exceptions through an adjusted budget process if they were able to prove that a store had been forecasted inappropriately, although adjustments were not frequently approved. Capital expenditures were approved centrally at the Home office.

Managing Strategically: Managerial challenges in the firm create complex, dynamic and competitive landscape environment in which managers have to work and operate and to survive in this kind of environment managers need to device some kind of strategy to tackle all the issues. (M. A. Hitt et al, 2011)In Staples the role of the field had changed over the years so that most decisions, programs and policies were now finalised only after significant input from the field. Staples was tightly controlled by the people in the centre. All the important and critical decisions were taken by the Home Office staff department such as real estate site selection, business- unit budgets and goals, compensation plans, advertising, merchandising programs, inventory levels and store layouts and they provided the structure that promoted disciplined execution. Managing Entrepreneurially: The managers need to search new opportunities in the marketplace or some new innovative ideas through which they could create new markets. Managers need to be entrepreneurial to create new businesses.