Chapter Insights on Management Effectiveness and Innovation môn Principle of Management | Trường Đại học Quốc tế, Đại học Quốc gia Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh

📘 CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCING MANAGEMENT
❓1. A manager meets all their deadlines and stays under budget, but the team is burned out and
turnover is high. Is this manager effective, efficient, both, or neither? Explain. Answer:
This manager is efficient but not effective.
They complete tasks on time and stay within budget, which indicates efficiency.
However, the high turnover and employee burnout show that they fail to maintain a sustainable
and motivated team, which reduces the organization’s long-term performance.
⟶ True management effectiveness involves achieving goals while maintaining employee satisfaction,
motivation, and long-term productivity.
❓2. How can a first-line manager’s decisions impact the organization’s long-term success? Give an example. Answer:
First-line managers directly supervise employees and oversee daily operations. Their decisions strongly
influence employee performance, morale, and the quality of products or services. Example:
A production supervisor who uses an overly strict, top-down management style may cause stress among
employees, leading to low morale and high turnover. This results in higher training costs, lower
productivity, and damaged company reputation in the long run.
⟶ While not involved in top-level strategy, first-line managers play a critical role in implementing
plans and ensuring operational stability.
📗 CHAPTER 2 – MANAGEMENT LEARNING: PAST TO PRESENT
❓3. Compare and contrast Taylor’s scientific management and Fayol’s administrative theory.
Which one is more relevant today and why? Answer:
Scientific management by Frederick Taylor focuses on optimizing individual tasks through job
analysis, standardization, and matching workers to tasks to maximize efficiency.
In contrast, Henri Fayol’s administrative theory emphasizes overall organizational management,
offering 14 principles of management and identifying five core managerial functions: planning,
organizing, commanding, coordinating, and controlling.
While both have value, Fayol’s theory is more relevant today because it offers a more comprehensive
and flexible framework that fits the dynamic and complex nature of modern organizations.
❓4. How did the Hawthorne studies influence modern HR practices? Answer:
The Hawthorne studies, led by Elton Mayo, revealed that productivity is influenced not only by physica
conditions but also by psychological and social factors—such as feeling valued, peer relationships, and management attention.
These findings gave rise to the Human Relations Movement and helped shape modern HR practices, including: Two-way communication Employee motivation programs Positive workplace culture
Emotional intelligence and soft skills training
⟶ The studies showed that workers are not machines, but human beings who need empathy,
recognition, and social interaction.
📘 CHAPTER 4 – ENVIRONMENT, INNOVATION, AND SUSTAINABILITY
❓5. A tech company releases an innovative product, but it causes e-waste and social backlash. Is
this innovation sustainable? Why or why not? Answer:
No, this is not a sustainable innovation. Although the product may be technically innovative, it creates
environmental harm (e-waste) and negative social impact, which contradicts sustainability principles.
True sustainable innovation must balance economic gain with environmental and social responsibility.
Innovation that causes harm is unlikely to be accepted or viable in the long run.
❓6. How can managers adapt their strategies to respond to changes in the external environment?
Give a recent example. Answer:
Managers can use tools such as SWOT, PESTEL, and environmental scanning to detect external
changes like economic shifts, technological trends, legal updates, and social movements.
Then, they can revise their strategies by: Updating products or services Changing the business model
Adopting new technologies or upskilling the workforce
Example: During the COVID-19 pandemic, many restaurants shifted to online sales, used food delivery
apps, and changed their marketing approach to emphasize safety and convenience.
⟶ This demonstrates that adaptability is essential for business survival in a dynamic environment.
❓7. Why is it important for a company to balance profit and sustainability? Can you give an
example of a company that does this well? Answer:
If a company focuses only on profit while ignoring environmental and social issues, it may face public
backlash, reputational damage, or even legal consequences—hurting long-term viability.
In contrast, companies that prioritize sustainable practices gain loyal customers, attract ethical investors, and enhance long-term growth. Example:
Patagonia, an outdoor apparel company, balances profit with purpose. It uses recycled materials, repairs
old clothing, and donates a significant portion of its profits to environmental causes.
⟶ This proves that businesses can make money while making a positive impact.
Tuyệt rồi! Dưới đây là ví dụ cụ thể cho từng kí hiệu viết tắt trong chương 1, bằng tiếng Anh, giúp bạn
hiểu rõ hơn và dễ nhớ cho kỳ thi nhé:
✅ 1. S.M.A.R.T. Goals – Example
Let’s say a manager wants to improve sales performance:
Specific: "Increase sales revenue from Product A." Measurable: "By 15%."
Achievable: "Based on past performance, this is realistic."
Relevant: "This supports our company’s growth strategy."
Time-bound: "Within the next 3 months."
➡ SMART Goal example: "Increase Product A’s sales revenue by 15% within 3 months to support company growth."
🧠 2. POLC – Example of each function
Planning: A manager creates a marketing plan for Q2.
Organizing: They assign team members to specific tasks.
Leading: They motivate the team and resolve conflicts.
Controlling: They track progress and adjust the plan if goals aren’t being met.
💡 3. 3 E’s of Management – Example
Effectiveness: A project is completed and meets the customer’s needs.
EfÏciency: It was done with minimum time and cost.
Economy: Resources (money, labor) were not wasted.
📝 A good manager balances all three for best performance.
🧑 💼 4. Mintzberg’s Roles – Example
Interpersonal (Leader): A manager inspires and supports their team.
Informational (Spokesperson): They represent the company in a press conference.
Decisional (Entrepreneur): They launch a new product line after market research.
📋 5. K.S.A. – Example for a Manager
Knowledge: Understands financial reports and business strategy.
Skills: Can communicate well, solve problems, and delegate tasks.
Abilities: Can lead under pressure and adapt to change.