DB 70 Managing High Performance

The purpose of the Discussion Board is to allow students to learn through sharing ideas and experiences as they relate to course content and the DB question. Because it is not possible to engage in two-way dialogue after a conversation has ended, no posts to the DB will be accepted after the end of each unit.

You are starting up a new coffee shop that will be Wi-Fi accessible and will have 3 locations within a 50-mile radius. You expect to need about 10 employees per store. You know that controlling costs will be very important, and you also know that customers must feel comfortable in your shop if they are to become frequent customers. To survive, this business must focus on customer service.

Management model choices are as follows:

•   An autocratic approach versus a participative approach toward the decision-making process

•   Centralized versus decentralized

•   Self-directed work teams

Answer the following questions:

•   Which management model choices would you make for each of the model choices listed?

Why did you choose that model?

Sources:

http://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/5602.html

http://highperformanceteams.org/home.htm

http://faculty.css.edu/dswenson/web/OB/mgttheories%26assessment.html

http://www.business.com/directory/human_resources/leadership_and_teams/team_building/self-directed_work_teams/index.asp?partner=fc

http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/1-21-2005-64580.asp

http://teambuildersplus.com

http://www.frogpond.com/10-Top-Reasons-Teams-Become-Dysfunctional-FP1-bnickol02