Essay - Philosophical Discontinuity in Business and Other Endeavors, Communication and Decision-making...

Philosophical Discontinuity

In business and other endeavors, communication and decision-making are invariable factors that contribute to the success - or failure - of any undertaking! Despite the notion of the "win*****win" scenario/situation concocted in the 80s and the 90s, there will still be parties ***** individuals in a ***** enterprise ***** will dis*****gree or feel reticent about certain business decisions be it strategic, tactical ***** operational. Fowler (2002) calls the "viewing of s*****uations differently as 'philosophical discontinuity.'" In retrospect, philosophical discontinuity has always been present not only in businesses but other realms as well. Simplistically, it may be termed as "difference ***** opinion" or "varying viewpoints." But as Fowler (2002) presented in the c*****e of the "Owner vs. Manager" where***** ***** owners "wanted ***** focus on the existing customer base and develop new products for ***** customers" while the managers "wanted to reach new markets and exp***** firm capabilities," despite growth in sales after "discuss*****g the different plans and agreeing to" the directi***** of the owners, one manager ***** left. This is also a case in point ***** not being able to satisfy everyone's wish and if a person strongly dis*****grees with management decision, quitting is always a prerogative.

***** the case chosen, it was evident that ***** two differing factions, communication and ***** pro*****sses that are open, transparent and defined were utilized by the management to arrive at a consensus. It w*****s even done during a ***** retreat far from the pressures of the *****fice environment and in a neutr*****l setting ***** everyone was able to voice their opinions. If may be prudent to assume that they followed Chapman's (1999) Dec*****ion-making Maxims:

***** ***** clarify the issue - does ***** warrant action? If so, now? Is the matter urgent, important or both.

Ga*****r all the facts and understand their causes.

Think about or brainstorm possible options and solutions. (See brainstorming process)

Consider ***** compare the pros and cons of each option - consult if necessary - it probably ***** be.

Select the best ***** - avoid vagueness or 'foot in both camps' compromise.

Explain your decision to those involved ***** affected, and follow up ***** ensure proper and effective implementation.

***** arriving at the particular management decision in the case and showing a healthy sales growth **********, ***** could be surmised that it was the best ***** for the comp*****. ***** the misgivings of the one manager that left because of his dis***** w*****h ***** decision, it should still be foremost in mind that running a business is aimed at making money ***** keeping stakeholders content. Individual perceptions are only important or noteworthy if it contributes to a robust bot*****m line!

Fowler (*****) further re*****erated that "To keep ***** discontinuity at a minimum, all ***** the players in a ***** ***** CPAs, attorneys, bankers, board members and strategic advisers - need to be vigilant." More emphasis can ***** put in this statement if one ********** Harry Potter's Professor Alastor Moody's favorite expression, "Constant vigilance!" It ***** ***** be a