Donald Super’s Career Development Theory

Career theories are usually based on circumstances such as social, economical and environmental. The modern concept of career is a product of the industrial age. Traditionally, organizations would structure people’s career paths and lives. During these times, work was concentrated in employment, learning was concentrated in education and education gave way to employment. Career counseling was a concept introduced to the education systems to help individuals transit from one sector (education) to another. Continuous improvement in career was viewed as a lifelong process. Donald Super in 1953 shed light on this idea and proposed a theory. Holland in 1956 expanded on the psychology of personality in relation to career development and career choice. These two theories in particular and multiple others have included psychological and social aspects to the understanding of the career choices that people make. Career theories look at the complexity of career choice, adjustment and development. Donald Super’s Continue reading

Three Perspectives on Organizational Change

Organizational change is best achieved by setting a clear objective, carefully planning all necessary tasks, and following a detailed plan. The above statement is very true given the fact that failure to articulately effect change in organizations has led to unnecessary internal and external conflicts that breed business failure. Competition has gone global and the market and industry dynamics have necessitated the need for companies to make concerted efforts streamlined towards ensuring that high-quality goods and services are offered in the market at competitive prices. This has resulted in the adoption and implementation of several tools and strategies in change management geared towards the attainment of the aforementioned goals. A good example is the discovery of the internet that has enabled faster communication and easier access to knowledge. In addition to the above, globalization is tearing down traditional approaches to management. It is no wonder relentless change has become a Continue reading

Free Cash Flow Theory of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A)

In the late 1980s, Jensen (1987) introduced the free cash flow theory to explain the financial decisions of managers in investing surplus money (excess cash flow). The free cash flow theory stems from the availability of corporate funds, after the deduction of all expenses. Managers often use this fund for purposes of expanding their businesses or paying out dividends to their shareholders. However, studies shows that many managers prefer to use this excess cash to enter into merger and acquisition agreements. Their incentive may be higher profitability and business advantages that mergers and acquisitions offer (compared to other investments). Occasionally, despite the failure of some investments to increase shareholder value, managers may decide to use these funds to expand businesses (through these mergers and acquisitions). They often prefer this option because the second alternative of paying out dividends to shareholders leads to the loss of financial resources and managerial power. Continue reading

Basic Concepts of Trademarks and Unfair Competition

Competition in the modern business environment is normal and often considered healthy. A highly competitive business environment embraces innovation as a way of meeting needs of customers in the best way possible. Companies that embrace creativity often emerge successful in such markets. They can understand emerging trends, new tastes and preferences, and what can be done to align products with new demands. It is common to find companies that use unethical practices in such highly competitive business environments. The need for business entities to operate in an environment where there is mutual respect among firms. It is unethical for a company to engage in acts that may harm other firms or customers because of the desire to make quick gains. The need to ensure that business entities and customers are protected from unscrupulous practices led to the enactment of laws and regulations that define how firms should operate. In an Continue reading

Strategic Planning Tools – SPACE, GRAND, and QSP Matrices

Strategic planning is an integral part of a successful company’s operations and processes. It allows organizations to assess their positions within industries and define the steps necessary to solve issues or rise to a higher level. Strategic planning may be performed using different tools, including SPACE, Grand, and QSP matrices. While all three are effective and helpful, the last one is implemented during the final stage of strategic planning.  1. SPACE Matrix Overall, the SPACE matrix is a specific strategic management tool that companies use to analyze their positions. SPACE stands for the Strategic Position and Action Evaluation, focusing on strategy formulation and especially the improvement of competitiveness. It has four quadrants, each defining the specific temperament of the strategy to choose: competitive, defensive, conservative, and aggressive. Further, the Y-axis top is financial strength, and the bottom is environmental stability, being the factors of the external environment. The right of Continue reading

Case Study of Disneyland: An Intermediary Between Diverse Cultures

Since the first of the Disney parks was founded in 1955 in Anaheim, California, Disneyland theme parks have often been referred to as the “happiest places on earth.” Disneyland’s are recognized worldwide for their joy-filled rides, playful atmosphere, and other amusement features. Various studies have shown that Disneyland has created multicultural amusement zones where people from diverse geographic and cultural backgrounds enjoy escapism and fairy-tale life. This description makes Disneyland an intermediary between cultures. Culture can be seen as shared beliefs, customs, values, behavioral patterns, and cognitive constructs among people belonging to a particular group. It defines the characteristics and knowledge of unique groups of people in aspects such as language, socialism, religion, cuisine, art, and more. While culture presents diverse characteristics among people of different origins, conscience plays a significant role in binding them within a larger society, allowing them to share unique experiences, beliefs, attitudes, values, spatial relations, Continue reading