THE ROLE THE OFFICE MANAGER IN ENSUING AN EFFECTIVE DECISION MAKING PROCESS IN THE MODERN OFFICE

CHAPTER ONE

1.1 Background To The Study

Decision making constitute fundamental functions of the office manager in almost every day transaction of the business of the organization. Such decision as managerial decisions, routine, and operational decisions. Are fundamental for meeting the objectives of the organisations. According to Drucker (1967). Effective decisions result from a systematic process, with clearly defined elements, that is handled in a distinct sequence of steps’ [Drucker, 1967]. Office managers have key roles to play throughout the effective decision making process. Decision making is becoming the basis of competitive advantage and value creation for organisations. Improving decision making could be the key to superior business performance if global markets give all organisations access to similar resources and competition causes many business processes to converge on world-class standards. The quality of decision making could become the key differentiator and link in the value chain. The office manager must take into consideration relevant factors such as the culture, ethics, and the strategic direction of the business in taking effective decision of the business. Relevant steps include 1.Frame the issue; This is a key step. Issues must be properly framed to balance a broad view with efficient focus. Appropriate parties must be engaged. Stakeholders’ interests are taken into account in determining the objectives at this stage. In businesses that are managed for value, the main criterion will be the impact on shareholder value. 2. Assemble information; Relevant information impinging on the issue at stake consisting of the business’ current financial and competitive position. Customer values are taken into consideration in the process.

3. Select alternatives; Alternatives should be selected on the basis of evidence and analysis rather than personal opinions. Risks must be identified as either ‘deal-breakers’ or issues to be managed. Management accountants can facilitate unbiased, evidence based decision making. They can provide consistent quantitative and qualitative analysis of the situation and proposals. 4. Decisions; The decision maker(s) should have the authority to take the decision. Role clarity and understanding is important here so that decisions are reached efficiently and not delayed or swayed by other interested parties. 5 Manage implementation and impact; Managing implementation through to impact requires that the decision should be clearly communicated and the expected outcomes reflected in performance management metrics. Quantifying or describing potential outcomes and, if appropriate, the potential next steps after each outcome, will enable implementation to be managed and appropriate action taken promptly. This will ensure that goals are achieved.6. Feedback Trial and error may be allowed as tactical experiments within acceptable risk parameters, but repeating past mistakes should be inexcusable. The decision and matters considered should be properly documented for post audit or learning purposes. The outcome of past decisions should be captured as part of the corporate memory to ensure that lessons are. The research seek to appraise the Role of the Office Manager in Ensuing an Effective decision making process in the Modern Office

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Decision making constitute a fundamental function of the office manager which must be carried out effectively to determine the strategic choices of the organization with the view of attaining the objectives of the organisations. Consequently the process of carrying out organizational effective decisions must be followed according to peter drucker (1967).However many organisations have treated the issue of decision making with levity not considering relevant issues that bear in the taking of effective decision making. This has led to loss of both resources and revenue. According to [Drucker, 1967]. Effective decisions result from a systematic process, with clearly defined elements, that is handled in a distinct sequence of steps’ [Drucker, 1967]. Office managers have key roles to play throughout the effective decision making process. Decision making is becoming the basis of competitive advantage and value creation for organisations. Improving decision making could be the key to superior business performance if global markets give all organisations access to similar resources and competition causes many business processes to converge on world-class standards. The quality of decision making could become the key differentiator and link in the value chain. The office manager must take into consideration relevant factors such as the culture, ethics, and the strategic direction of the business in taking effective decision of the business. The problem confronting the research is to determine The Role the Office Manager in Ensuing an Effective decision making process in the Modern Office

1.3 Objectives of the Study

To determine the Role the Office Manager in Ensuing an Effective decision making process in the Modern Office

1.4 Research Questions

What is the effective decision making process in modern organization?

What is the role of the office manager in the effective decision making process in modern organization?

1.5 Significance of the Study

The research shall appraise the Role of the Office Manager in Ensuing an Effective decision making process in Modern Office.

1.6 Research Hypothesis

Ho The Role of the Office Manager in Ensuing an Effective decision making process in the Modern Office is not significant

Hi The Role of the Office Manager in Ensuing an Effective decision making process in the Modern Office is significant.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on the appraisal of the Role the Office Manager in Ensuing an Effective decision making process in the Modern Office

1.8 Limitations of the Study

The research was confronted by some constraints including logistics and geographical factors.

1.9 Definition of Terms

DECISION DEFINED

Decision making involves the process of making a choice between stated alternatives solutions to a given problem situations bearing in mind critical decision criteria directed at meeting the objectives of the organization. Decision making constitute a fundamental function of the office manager which must be carried out effectively to determine the strategic choices of the organization with the view of attaining the objectives of the organisations.

REFERENCES

Drucker, P. F. The effective decision. Harvard Business Review,    January/February 1967, Volume 45, Issue 1, pp 92-98

Janczak, S. The strategic decision-making process in organizations. Problems and Perspectives in Management, Issue 3, 2005, pp 58-70