Contingency Approach

This approach is the most appropriate for modern times. The contingency approach is used to see which managerial techniques are most suitable in different circumstances, using research. There are also numerous theories about this approach. This is the type of approach that is needed in today's fast-paced, technology-driven world.

Organizational Behavior

Organizational behavior is a modern approach which studies people and how they work, while seeking to improve management skills. There is still research being done in this field. There are many theories about organizational studies. All factors in organizational behavior helps to better explain and understand (human) life.

Universal Process Approach

The universal process approach states that all managers and managerial decisions entail the same practice. For the most part, no changes need to be made to the way things run, no matter the size or type of business. It is the oldest business approach there is. It is also the most popular approach, which I find surprising in this day and age.

Operational Approach

Dealing with production, the operational approach is used to describe an area of management that is dedicated to improving just about every area of it. The approach goes by many names, and is recognized extensively in the business field. Also, a form of management. The approach leads to better business.

Open System

An open system is a dependent entity. A baby can be considered an open system. Though opposite, both open and closed systems are almost always together. Both are classified by how much interaction is done with the/its environment.

Closed System

A closed system doesn't need any outside help. It can function on it's own, whatever it may be, for a long time. A closed system can be a person, item, etc. It is sort of the opposite of a open system.

Business Management

Business management, which happens to be my major, and management, in general, are very similar. You must combine as much resources as possible to get desired outcome. You must have good leadership skills, and you should be able to influence with power in any managerial decision. A manager also need patience and dedication.

Management

Management, which happens to be the title of our textbook, is working with and through people to accomplish desired goals. Management is key to getting a lot done in little time. There are many types of management in many different fields. We, as individuals, need to practice management in all areas of our lives as much as possible.

Conflict

Conflict is an undesired state of discord. A conflict is like a problem in many ways. Chiefly, both are a result of what was expected and what actually happened. A difference between a conflict and a problem is a conflict can be between you, yourself, and no one else.

Negotiation

A negotiation is a discussion between two or more people who aren't seeing eye to eye, with the end result intended to be an agreement. Negotiations are used everyday by everyone. Although this is the case, not all negotiations are successful. Since we live in a world where everybody is unique, conflict will always occur and negotiation will always be needed.

Mentor

A mentor is one who develops another individual into a better (well rounded) person. A mentor can be a very important figure in certain lives. Also, anyone can be a mentor as long as they are dedicated to the cause of helping and assisting their mentee. I, myself, was (and is) a mentor to many and I was also mentored by many.

Cultural Intelligence

Cultural Intelligence (CQ) is a unique characteristic that certain people possess. This ability allows one to come across as natural and as understanding as possible, in cultures that they have never been exposed to. This can be great for business but can also be of use in general, to from new friends and the like, in new cultures. The abbreviation for cultural intelligence (CQ) is a play on IQ, which is quite effective, especially with the fact that they are both measured on a scale.

Body Language

Body language is best described as "actions speak louder than words." Primarily, gestures and/or body movements are used to "say" something. The combination of body language and verbal language is key to effective public speaking and presentations. As much as people chatter, body language makes up a majority of communication.

Strategic Change

Strategic changes are usually the most riskiest of any and all changes. They require that you "start a new" as they say. If business is going straight into the ground, a strategic change could probably revive it. But if business is going really well and venturing off a little (or a lot) is planned, utilizing the strategic change might also be a plus.

Incremental Change

This sort of change is an adjustment. Things are fixed and sorted so that everything stays on track. This change should be applied if things suddenly seem to be heading in the wrong direction. This change is very useful for repetitiveness and comfortability.

Reactive Change

This change is usually one that must be done. It is a little more of a risk but making the sacrifice is not exactly optional. Whatever happened was not expected so prompt action is required. It is practically a need if things are to have an overall positive outcome.

Anticipatory Change

This type of change is virtually risk free. It is a change that was made because whatever happened was expected. We use anticipatory change quite often on the regular. It is sometimes done, even though it does not need to be.

Collectivist Culture

In a collectivist culture, people tend to come together and combine views and ideas. People agree that their community as a whole play an important role. Self-interest is usually in the back of the minds of those who are in a collectivist culture. Working together to get things done is the norm for people in this culture.

Individualistic Culture

This is the culture that I fall under. I rely on myself as much as I can and I do almost everything independently. In general, people from an individualistic culture take great pride in one's self, culture, goals, achievements, moral standing, etc. People from this culture may come off selfish but it's not intended.

Low Context Culture

Low context cultures do a lot of talking. I think that they should be the quiet ones. I guess it's because many people from low context cultures are so busy on a daily basis and used to this fast pace life that they don't take the time to let certain things just....be. Words are used a little bit too much and not enough thought goes into what is being said most of the time.

High Context Culture

People from high context cultures tend to do little talking. I'm surprised that this is so as I thought that people from these cultures would be talkative people. They tend to surround themselves with people who share their goals and aspirations. The culture explains itself, as not many words are conveyed.

Decoding

Decoding is the process of relaying information. There is also no right or wrong way to do this. Effective encoding and decoding all depends on source; who, what, where, when, why and how information was given and received. I used to think that decoders were always right, but boy, was I wrong!

Encoding

Encoding is the process of processing information. There is no right or wrong way to do this. It all depends how the information was taken/passed. I originally thought that any encoder that was wrong or off was to blame but this is not always the case.

Business Communication

A more sophisticated form of communication, business communication is huge and in-depth. Each term, alone, cover a lot of ground so put together your talking about a terrain of territory. Generally, business communication is used for promotion (marketing) but can also be used for virtually anything else (pertaining to business, of course). Business communication encompasses so many topics that it itself can be considered information overload.

Communication

Communication is simply the exchanging of information (between so and so). We all do it because it is a part of life. Whether it's simple or complex, high context or low context, we communicate on a daily basis. Imagine a world without communication....(I know, scary isn't it?!).

OBAMA WON!!!!!!

YES!!!! YES!!!! Change has finally come. Now we will experience a whole new generation of influence, power, and leadership. (Serious) history has been made and I have never felt better.

Yay! Today's Election Day!

And I didn't vote (And today should be a holiday). I'm finally of age to but I had no idea there was a process. I was just planning to go to my elementary school and cast a vote. I also wanted to work today, but that's also another process (I know what your thinking, there's a process for everything; and there is, so you'd be right about that one).

Senators Working Twice As Hard

As election day approaches, both McCain and Obama are speaking in as much places as (humanly) possible. They are urging votes and campaigning in areas that can bring in huge numbers. There was a lot of "early voting" going on. Not sure how that works, but I'm guessing that it's a good thing for the senators.

Influence, Power, And Leadership 4

The order in which I, P, & L are placed has become accustomed to me. I also think that this order is proper, in that influence is the basis of them all, and that leadership is the most weighted of the three. Influence can guide you to both power and leadership. Leadership doesn't necessarily have to incorporate the other two but can show that one has the ability to unite others to work together and achieve a common goal, something that I consider to be a trait, a gift, if you will.

Influence, Power, And Leadership 3

I think our current president, Bush, is the worst example ever of influence, power, and leadership. You know how they say everyone lives through a major event that will impact their lives forever? Well, Bush is that life changing event. Yep, my life has been officially altered for good. Sheesh, why can't his term just end already?! Then he really won't have any of the great 3, making him more generic than a brandless brand.