Gap Analysis

GAP ANALYSIS: GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS

Gap Analysis: Global Communications

University of Phoenix

Gap Analysis: Global Communications

Global Communications has difficult times ahead. Given the current financial status and profitability of the company, decision to implement a new plan and the negative fallout of restructuring changes proposed, the current state of affairs is not good. Several factors or symptoms of the problem will be discussed with emphasis on correcting those. Hopes are to address the main problem being severe communications issues within the organization and presenting goals to help the company move forward on the right track.

Situation Analysis

Issue and Opportunity Identification

A myriad of communication and structural issues are plaguing Global Communications. However, many opportunities to improve these issues are available for management to use to fix them. Many of the issues are rooted in the communications process within the company.

The hiring of two key management figures within the company and the timing of the restructuring has lead to various issues and opportunities to resolve. With two new key members of management, the management team has to develop common lines of communication or an effective management climate in which to operate. Given both members are new, female, and from different backgrounds, many barriers or differences in communication have not been worked thru to develop this managerial climate.

Because of increased financial pressure and lackluster company performance, a hasty decision on a new strategy was developed without fully integrating all management members. Also all facts were not considered when analyzing intricate details necessary to majorly restructure a company, as demonstrated by issues present by two senior managers.

Because of these issues listed above, there has been no time allocated to prepare a detailed marketing strategy to ensure all areas are discussed with employees or investors. Therefore, the grapevine and the use of non-formal means of communication (email) have further complicated the situation.

Stakeholder Perspectives/Ethical Dilemmas

There appear to be three distinct stakeholders groups present in the Global Communications Scenario. I have determined the groups to be the following: Group 1- Katrina Heinz and Nancy Everhardt, Group 2- Sy Rodriguez and Joel Thompson, Group 3- Maria Antez. These groups are listed in Table 2 below as Groups 1, 2 and 3.

Groups 1 and 2 share the same overall common goal which is to reform the company and increase Global Communications status in the telecommunication market. However, there are some basic differences within the groups that have caused some conflict. Group 1, Katrina and Nancy, are both female and new to the company. Although no direct mention of these facts is presented in the scenario, the tone of the conversations led us to believe that these differences may have caused a loss of effectiveness in the communications between the groups. Both groups appear to have a different focus on the desired outcome. Although both groups believe the company needs a new strategy to improve, they vary in the execution and terms in which the company should be improved. Group 1 seems focused primarily on company status and improving profitability; the negative aspects of employee layoffs seem to be a distant priority. While Group 2 appears more concerned about maintain employee morale and productivity first then supporting the needed change in the company. I believe this is where the ethical dilemma lies: What do we tell the employees about layoffs?

Group 3 relates to the other groups in a different fashion. Maria Antez, position outside the organization is a difficult one to work thru. Although both groups respect Maria’s position with the union, they did not include her in the decision making process. This exclusion has caused some ill feelings between Maria and members of the Global Communication management team. The ethical dilemma Maria faces is the moral stance she will take to ensure the employees of Global Communication best interests are at the forefront of the management’s priorities. All in all, each stakeholder’s value and interest are different. Although all stakeholders do believe in making Global Communication a better company, their different motivations and means of execution is where the majority of the conflict arises.

End-State Vision

Due to the complexity of the situation