Performance Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Performance Management - Essay Example It involves establishment of within reach targets as well as clearly outlining roles (Kanigher, 2005). Development of Performance Management This discipline traces its origin in the 20th century, where managers developed the process to determine whether the remuneration paid to workers was reasonable (Kanigher, 2005). One of the earliest contributors to this theory was Fredrick Taylor, with his scientific management theory, which he developed by studying the work process scientifically. In his work, he studied how work was done and how it affected people productivity (Kanigher, 2005). His findings were that workers and managers need to cooperate with each other, work needs to be simplified for efficient results to be achieved and, he advanced the idea of â€Å"a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work (Kanigher, 2005). This was during the industrialization era, and at that time, factory managers had little contact with workers leaving them to produce on their own. This le ft workers with poor motivation, because continuation of employment was the only incentive at that time. In his, â€Å"time and motion† studies, Taylor concluded that certain workers were suitable for certain jobs, to achieve efficiency (Kanigher, 2005). This is the basis of role definition in the contemporary business environment. This theory concerns itself with managing people’s performance. It attempts to understand the fundamental factors, which enhance employee relations to yield maximum organizational output. Taylor suggestions of presence of certain conditions to improve work performance paved way for future scholars and theorists in understanding what influences performance (Kanigher, 2005). This is the foundation of performance management and there would be no practical application of this concept in the absence of this theory. Douglas McGregor is another major contributor to the development of performance management theory and practical applications in moder n business world. In his, â€Å"The Human Side of Enterprise† book, he proposed theory X and Y, which was a constructive and modest reminder of the ordinary rules for handling people, which are overlooked under the density of day-to-day business (Koontz & Weihrich, 2007). His ideas suggested there are only two fundamental ways of managing people; one is by treating them as lazy and disliking work, hence they will do anything to avoid work. They ought to be directed, assured job safety in order to consent accountability. This is theory X, which suggests dictatorial management style (Koontz & Weihrich, 2007). Another war regards workers as people devoted to objectives and, they will admit and pursue responsibility. They are self-disciplined and pursue organizational objectives without threat of punishment (Koontz & Weihrich, 2007). He regarded this as theory Y that proposes a democratic management style. Performance management entails understanding people’s behavior. Thi s theory sheds lights on the sophistication side of employees. Though it suggests only two kinds of employee, it paved way for organizations to realize that the human aspect of an enterprise is complex, and exhibits numerous characters. After inception of

The Olympic Games Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Olympic Games - Essay Example The history behind Olympic Games is rich and fundamental to account for. The origin of these games is traced to a humble beginning in Greece. They were a crucial undertaking in the country, with the Greek people developing historical events dating method using periods between the Olympic Games. Participants in the games then were treated with respect, and winners marked as heroes and heroines in Greece and the countries around. Olive wreath was at the time used to reward Olympic winners. However, over the years, the rewarding, games and sports involved have changed to match cultural, social, economic and political dynamism. Use of symbols to associate with the Olympics has been a living phenomenon since the year 1913. This is the year that the Olympic rings were introduced by Baron Pierre de Coubertin (Toohey & Veal 26). Five rings are used to represent five continents, with Antarctica excluded and North America and South America joined, since there are seven continents in the world (Toohey & Veal 41). An Olympic flag is also flown every time the games are being held. An Olympic torch is another symbol associated with the Olympic Games. The torch tours various sites and cities before it gets to the city hosting the games. The torch’s flame is used to symbolize unity among Olympic participants, cities and states involved. Participants, cities and states involved in the games have significantly increased since the games became an international event. On the same note, the games and sports that participants engage in have kept changing, integrating those that had not initially been part of the Olympic Games. Winner rewarding schemes have also been dynamic, necessitated by contemporary gaming and sporting trends. The future of Olympic Games is promising, and is regarded as one that will unify the international people in more than just games and sports. The 2012 Olympic games will be held in London in the month of July. The