Becoming a Master Manager: A Competing Values Approach, Fifth Edition

Chapter 3. Improving Productivity And Increasing Profitability

COMPETENCIES

• Developing and Communicating a Vision

• Setting Goals and Objectives

• Motivating Self and Others

• Designing and Organizing

• Managing Execution and Driving for Results

In contrast to the human relations and internal process models, which take an internal focus, the rational goal model takes an external focus. It is similar to the internal process quadrant, however, in its emphasis on control and its connection to early management theories. This module in many ways reflects the more traditional definitions and purposes of leadership and organization.

Organizational Goals. The primary goals of the rational goal model are improving productivity and increasing profitability. Consistent with the assumptions of the rational goal model, the competencies in this module focus on providing clear direction as a means of achieving productive and profitable outcomes. Reflecting the external focus of this quadrant, Compete is the action imperative. Key activities focus on goal clarification, rational analysis, and action taking.

Paradoxes. Despite its emphasis on logic and rationality, paradoxes are also evident in the Compete quadrant. For example, at the same time that people want a leader to provide a clear vision for the organization, people are unwilling to embrace a vision unless they see the vision as relevant facts and are ...