Reference no: EM131768992

Discussion 1- Communicating Policy Even When You Do Not Agree

BANKS Industries has experienced rapid expansion in the past several years. However, it appears that the HR department is just now catching up by revising policies and rapidly implementing changes. One of the new policies outlines the requirements of a new dress code, which is stricter and more formal than the previous requirements.

Using the module readings, the Argosy University online library resources, and the Internet, research the concepts of communication and change management. Then, based on the above scenario, respond to the following:

• As a manager, what is your role when it comes to communicating policy changes to employees, especially when the policy is not one with which you necessarily agree (for example, policies regarding personal cell-phone use in the workplace)? As a manager, how would you communicate such policies?

• How will you accommodate multiple cultures when communicating these issues to employees? As you prepare to address this question, take into consideration the following communication concepts: To be a successful cross-cultural communicator you must remember the following:

o There are no universal gestures.
o You should be sensitive to verbal and nonverbal communications or behaviors.
o It is important to be open-minded to cultural views of others and their ways of communicating. For example, a frown could mean concentration in some cultures, whereas in other cultures, it is interpreted as anger or disappointment.

By the due date assigned, post your response to the appropriate Discussion Area. Through the end of the module, review and comment on at least two peers' responses.

Write your initial response in 300-500 words. Your response should be thorough and address all components of the discussion question in detail, include citations of all sources, where needed, according to the APA Style, and demonstrate accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation

Do the following when responding to your peers:

• Read your peers' answers.
• Provide substantive comments by

o contributing new, relevant information from course readings, Web sites, or other sources;
o building on the remarks or questions of others; or
o sharing practical examples of key concepts from your professional or personal experiences

• Respond to feedback on your posting and provide feedback to other students on their ideas.
• Make sure your writing

o is clear, concise, and organized;
o demonstrates ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources; and
o displays accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Discussion 2- Crafting a Strategy to Fit the Business

The Web site Amazon.com once aimed to be the world's largest bookseller. Now the company offers a wide range of products and services to consumers, operating online retail storefronts for partners and developing and selling its own manufactured products (such as Kindle).

Can a company like Amazon.com have a strong business model but a weak strategy? Using the Internet, find Amazon's most recent annual report and peruse its main sections.

Based on your analysis of the report, respond to the following:

• How has the company's strategy changed from the original generic strategy that was applied?
• How would you describe the central elements of Amazon's strategy?
• In your opinion, what elements are involved in implementing the following business strategies?

o A low-cost provider strategy
o Differentiation
o Diversification
o Market timing

Write your initial response in approximately 300 words. Apply APA standards to citation of sources.