Small Business Management Notes
Small Business Management Notes
an independently owned and operated business that is not dominant in its field of operation
and conforms to standards set by the Small Business Administration or by state law
regarding number of employees and yearly income: Merriam-Webster.com Legal
Dictionary
Chris et.al (2000) define, small business as those which are owned and controlled by
one or a few persons, with direct owner(s) influence in decision making and having
relatively small share of the market in the applicable industry.
Robert (1994) see small business as an independently owned and operate; has capital
contribution from limited number of individuals, would operate in a local area; would
probably not be dominant in its field of operation.
1. Setting clear goals and objectives. This helps to provide direction and focus for the
organization and enables managers to track progress and measure success.
2. Develop a strategic plan that outlines the actions required to achieve goals. This helps
ensure that resources are allocated effectively and everyone is working towards the
same objectives.
3. Effective communication, including communicating goals and expectations, providing
feedback and recognition, and building relationships with stakeholders and
employees.
4. Monitoring and managing employee performance, setting performance standards,
providing feedback and coaching, and addressing performance issues promptly and
effectively..
5. Implementing processes and systems for continuous improvement. This involves
regularly reviewing and refining processes and practices to optimize performance
and ensure that the organization is operating at its best (Yes, this is precisely the spirit
of the BPM Discipline, we will discuss it later)
6. Building strong teams is essential for success in a business management system. This
involves creating a supportive and collaborative work environment, setting clear
roles and responsibilities, and providing opportunities for team members to develop
and grow.
7. Encouraging innovation and creativity involve creating a culture that supports new
ideas and experimentation and providing resources and support for innovative
projects and initiatives.
8. Identifying and managing risks is a crucial tactic that involves assessing potential
threats, developing strategies to mitigate them, and having contingency plans to
address unexpected events.
Overall, great management requires a combination of skills, traits, and practices that enable
managers to lead effectively, build strong relationships, and achieve their goals. A BPM Suite
is a valuable tool to service business management. At the same time, automated processes
can help managers to improve communication, align tasks with strategic objectives, increase
accountability, and promote innovation and team building. Managers can focus more on
strategic planning, coaching employees, and driving results by automating repetitive tasks
and administrative processes.
Management styles
We previously talked about the management definition. Now is the time to talk about the
different styles of business management. The appropriate management style for a given
situation depends on various factors, including the organization’s culture, the nature of the
work being performed, and the needs and preferences of individual employees. Here are
some of the most common management styles:
1. Autocratic: the manager makes all the decisions and has complete control over the
organization. This style can work well in situations where decisions must be made
quickly. Still, it can also stifle creativity and innovation.
2. Democratic: the manager involves employees in decision-making and encourages
open communication and feedback. This style helps build solid teams and fosters a
sense of ownership among employees.
3. Laissez-faire (Allow-to-do): the manager provides minimal guidance and lets
employees make their own decisions. This style is instrumental in situations where
employees are highly skilled and motivated. Still, it can also lead to a need for more
direction and accountability.
4. Transformational: the manager inspires and motivates employees to achieve their full
potential. This style can be effective in fostering creativity and innovation, but it
requires a high degree of emotional intelligence and communication skills.
5. Transactional: the manager sets clear expectations and provides rewards or
punishments based on performance. This style can be effective in achieving short-
term goals, but it may not be as effective in building strong teams and fostering long-
term growth.
6. Servant: the manager focuses on serving the needs of employees and helping them to
achieve their goals. This style can help to build strong teams and foster a sense of
loyalty and commitment, but it requires a high degree of empathy and emotional
intelligence.
Of course, the most effective management style depends on two key elements. Firstly, the
specific needs and goals of the organization. And on the other hand, it depends on the
strengths and weaknesses of individual managers and employees. Some very skilled
managers can adapt their management style to fit the needs of the organization and its
employees, but it is not the most common case.
1. Lack of control: When managers delegate tasks to others, they may feel like they are
losing control over the work and may be hesitant to let go of tasks that they have
traditionally been responsible for. A BPM Suite and automated processes can provide
managers with a clear and centralized view of all delegated tasks, ensuring that they
are still in control of the work. Managers can track the progress of the tasks and
receive notifications when tasks are completed, which can help them manage their
workload more effectively.
2. Misunderstandings and mistakes: Delegating requires clear communication and a
shared understanding of expectations, timelines, and quality standards. If the
manager and the employee do not have a shared understanding, it can lead to
misunderstandings and mistakes. Automated processes can provide a standard, well-
defined approach to completing tasks, managing due dates, and raising alerts,
reducing the potential for misunderstandings and mistakes.
3. Employee development: While delegating can help to develop employees’ skills and
confidence, it can also lead to employees feeling overwhelmed or unsupported if they
are not given enough guidance or resources. Well-documented and automated
processes can provide employees with the necessary framework and guidance to
complete tasks successfully. The system can include best practices, examples, training
materials, and step-by-step instructions, which can help employees build their skills
and confidence.
4. Time investment: Delegating takes time and effort, as managers need to invest in
training, communication, and follow-up to ensure that the work is done correctly.
This can be a challenge for managers who are already stretched thin. By automating
processes, managers can reduce the time required to delegate and manage tasks.
Instead of spending time monitoring progress and providing guidance, managers can
rely on the BPM Suite to ensure that tasks are correctly completed and on schedule.
5. Risk of delegation: Certain tasks cannot be delegated due to their importance and
severity, therefore, there is always a risk involved in delegating the wrong task or
delegating to the wrong person, which could lead to mistakes, quality issues, or even
financial loss. By defining clear processes and roles in a BPM Suite, managers can
ensure that tasks are assigned to the right people and are completed correctly.
FAQs keywords
What is management?
Management is the act of organizing, motivating, directing, and controlling an organization’s
information, financial, physical, and human resources in order to efficiently and successfully
accomplish its objectives.
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1. Strategic Planning
Strategic planning involves setting goals and mapping out strategies to achieve
them. It’s about understanding where the business is heading and the steps
required to get there. This process ensures resources are correctly allocated,
aligning day-to-day operations with long-term objectives.
Effective strategic planning not only guides a company’s trajectory but also
provides benchmarks for measuring success, ensuring that the organization
remains focused and on track towards achieving its goals.
3. Financial Management
Financial management is crucial for sustainable business growth. It involves
budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation. This element ensures the
company has sufficient funds to operate and invest in growth opportunities.
5. Operations Management
Operations management ensures business processes are efficient and effective.
It involves managing the production process and optimizing the use of
resources to create goods or services.
This element is key to operational efficiency, quality control, cost reduction, and
profitability enhancement.
6. Technology Management
Technology management is about effectively integrating technology into
business operations. It involves staying updated with technological
advancements and managing digital transformations.
But fear not! By identifying and understanding these hurdles, businesses can
develop strategies to overcome them. Let’s explore some of the most common
challenges faced in business management and how to tackle them effectively.
To combat this, continuous market analysis and trend monitoring are essential.
Encouraging a culture of innovation within the organization can foster
adaptability. Regular training and development programs for employees can
also equip them with the skills needed to embrace and drive change, ensuring
the business remains competitive and forward-thinking.
Don’t let the complexities of business management impede your progress. Allow
Persona’s top-tier talent to bolster your efforts, paving the way for unparalleled
success. To discover how we can support your business management initiatives
and help you achieve your objectives, reach out to us tod