Surf the Net

Chapter 6 Managerial Decision Making and Information Technology

1. Feedback on decision-making
Visit the site: http://www.hrmguide.net/canada/performance/360-governance.htm
Note how 360 degree feedback is being used in today’s firms. In groups of 2 or 3 students, complete the following table:

Be prepared to discuss your results with the rest of the class.

• What are some key issues faced by both management and employees?
• How can this information affect how each part of the organization interacts with the other?
• Discuss the level and frequency of feedback you are comfortable with in your life.

2. Increasing participation in decision-making
View the article, Participation in strategic decision making: The role of organizational predisposition and issue interpretation by Ashmos, Duchon, and McDaniel at
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3713/is_199801/ai_n8765335
Then answer the following questions:

• If an organization you are a part of has a lot of rules, how does this affect your willingness to participate in decision making?
• If you feel that your performance is “good” in a particular class, does this lead you to participate more or less?
• What are the implications of this for managers of businesses?
• In what type of environment would you like to work in order to become heavily involved in decision-making?
• Are you willing to take responsibility for all of your decisions? What would make you feel more comfortable participating in many day-to-day decisions?

3. Information technology trends
Visit the site: http://www.canadianbusiness.com/technology/
Take note of five emerging technology trends outlined by Canadian Business Magazine.

Compare your list with that of another student. What common trends did you both identify? Do a specific search on this emerging trend. What are the implications for businesses in Canada? Does your current program of study adequately prepare you for these emerging trends?