Reflection on Business & Management: Chapters 5-8

Reflection on Business & Management: Chapters 5-8 2

Abstract

This reflection paper delves into a range of topics covered in chapters 5 8 of the book
"Fundamentals of Management" by Ricky W. Griffin (9 th ed.). It focuses on areas that have
captured my curiosity and interest such, as leadership styles culture, decision making and
organizational structure. Drawing insights from the provided textbook and other credible sources
this paper aims to provide an understanding of management concepts and their practical
applications in the business world.

Reflection on Business & Management: Chapters 5-8 3

Reflection on Business & Management: Chapters 5-8

Introduction

Chapters 5 8 of "Fundamentals of Management" explore the complexities associated
with management, leadership and organizational structure. These chapters lay a foundation for
comprehending how effective leadership and decision making can shape both culture and
structure within an organization.

Leadership Styles (Chapter 5)

Having leadership is crucial, for the success of any organization. Chapter 5 introduces
styles of leadership including transactional and charismatic leadership. These various styles have
an impact on the culture of an organization and its ability to achieve its goals (Griffin, 2022).
Research indicates that transformational leadership, which involves having a vision inspiring
others and stimulating growth can result in increased employee satisfaction and performance.
When reflecting on this topic I find transformational leadership particularly fascinating
because it aligns with my values and aspirations, as a leader. Leaders who inspire and empower
their teams often create a culture that encourages creativity and innovation (Kameli, 2023).
Additionally transformational leadership goes beyond achieving objectives; it plays a vital role in
instilling a sense of purpose among employees.
Transformational leaders inspire their teams by presenting a vision and stimulating their
growth (Griffin, 2022). They encourage individuals to understand how their contributions fit into
the goals leading to increased job satisfaction and stronger commitment and motivation, among
employees. Reflecting on this I am struck by the notion that effective leadership goes beyond

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driving performance; it also involves creating a fulfilling work environment for the team. This
belief aligns with my conviction that leadership should extend beyond the workplace positively
impacting the lives of those it influences.
Chapter 6 of the book explores culture and its significant role, in shaping employee
behavior and attitudes. It highlights how organizational culture influences decision making
processes, communication and employee engagement. A strong and positive organizational
culture has the potential to improve teamwork and enhance performance (American
Psychological Association, 2020). I personally find the topic of culture intriguing because it
emphasizes the significance of shared values and beliefs, within a company. A robust
organizational culture can foster a sense of belonging among employees resulting in increased
dedication and efficiency (Bhardwaj & Kalia, 2021).

Chapter 7 focuses on decision making.

Effective decision making is an aspect of management. Chapter 7 delves into decision
making processes and models such as decision making, bounded rationality and intuitive
decision making. These models provide insights into how managers make choices under varying
circumstances. The concept of bounded rationality particularly captures my attention as it
recognizes that managers often make decisions based on information and cognitive capacity.
This concept underscores the significance of heuristics and intuition, in decision making (Griffin,
2022).

Organizational Structure (Chapter 8)

Organizational Structure and Its Impact on Effectiveness: Different organizational
structures such as functional, divisional, and matrix structures have their own strengths and

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disadvantages. Organizational Structure is an interesting concept for it insists on fitting the
organization’s structure into its stated objectives and environment (Alfalih, 2022). Flexibility and
adaptability have become crucial qualities for any organization operating in today’s complex
market