Sydney Theatre Company - Issues to Ensure Survival, Mobilising Employees in Organisational Design - Case Study Example

Running Head: SYDNEY THEATRE COMPANY Sydney Theatre Company Name Course Tutor Date Introduction The Sydney theatre company is a non profit making organization which runs theatre performances in Australia. It is the largest of its kind and it has seen performances from actors all over the world. The theatre has a team of dedicated managers and leaders who have seen it rise from difficult times of underperformance to surplus and profitability. Being a huge venture, the Sydney theatre requires strategic management and running in order to meet its mandate in a sustainable manner. Prior to current management, the theatre was making losses but through strategic focusing and management, the managers managed to turn around events at the theatre to profitability (Winton &House, 2012). Management practices at the theatre are crucial in achieving both long term and short term goals. This calls for an understanding and comprehension of the industry and its dynamics. Understanding the market and the need for meeting specific needs is also crucial in determining the roadmap that the management process at the theatre takes (Sydney Theatre Company, 2011). Being in such a venture calls for right partnerships which are supposed to contribute to the success of the organisation. Strategic partnership allows the theatre to interact with stakeholders who also seek to benefit from. These strategies among others were used to transform the theatre from deficits to surpluses the long terms success is dependent on relationships that are made in the present. Creating an appealing atmosphere to users of the theatre and fans of theatre will continue drawing more and more participants (Sydney Theatre Company 2013). It is also crucial as it creates an image that is recognised and a brand that has superiority. All these work in a dynamic environment that has opportunities for growth and challenges as well. The way the management process approaches them is significant in shaping the theatre now and in the future. Critical issues to ensure future survival To ensure that the theatre survives in the future, there are several managerial processes that should be critically evaluated and put in place this will ensure that the challenges that caused deficits before are appropriately identified and dealt with before they reach critical levels. Therefore, management should work ain a synergetic environment where cooperation, teamwork and innovation are encouraged. This essay will analyse how the theatre can amanita its profitability path and ensure that the Sydney Theatre Company survives in the future. Organisation process in management. Organising and organisational structure Organising as process of management entails arranging people and available resources in an organisation to achieve set goals. Organising calls for leadership and management skills that determine the outcome of plans. As such, it involves sharing of duties and responsibilities in sectors or areas where people are best suited. It entails division and specialisation of labour. Each personnel in the company should have specific resources allocated to them in manner that allows them to achieve their personal duties as well as long term organisational goals. The management of the company should also offer clear implementation strategies of set goals team work and suggestions from implementers should also be welcomed in the planning process. Having clearly stated the roles of all individuals, working relationships should be well clarified to avoid redundancy and confusion in the work place. For instance, the three top managers who have turned around the fortunes of the company should always carry out coordination activities to ensure that allocated resources and divided work are properly portioned and are adequately working. In organising activities in the company, organisational structure is also a crucial factor in achieving long term sustainability. The organisational structure determines the way that the company is formally arranged to create interdependent systems that are goal oriented. Such systems revolve around workflow, reporting strategies, communication channels either in individual or group capacities (Garvin, 2012). The structure within the theatre should be arranges in a manner that allows for flexibility as organisational change is eminent in a contemporary environment. This was evident in 2009 when new management took over and restructured the organisation towards change. Structures that embrace change easily adapt to new situations without compromising the ultimate objectivity and goal orientation (McAuley, 2012). Understanding the organisational structure calls for a practical organisational chart that defines the workflow and the responsibilities of individual faction. It also defines how different portfolios interact with each other at diverse capacities necessitated by the nature of situations at hand in this view, the formal organisational structure should always be clear and targeted towards creating an understanding of how the theatre is supposed to function. It defines supervisory roles, management levels, units in the organisation, and communication channels connecting them. The informal structure defines show the organisation relates in unofficial capacities. This is crucial especially on an individual basis perspective. The informal structure defines show people in the organisation learn from each other through regular interaction and formation of social ties in the work place. The management of the theatre should use this structure to understand personnel in a more personal level which helps to create an environment that appreciates individual efforts in realising organisational goals. Organisational structure also defines functional structure where specific issues in the organisation. It entails divisional structure, and various departmental structures. Mobilising employees in organisational design The success of the company is based on the ability of people working there to add value through engagement of their different competencies. This is possible through investing in people who are talented in manner that satisfies them and affects productivity of the theatre positively.an increase in funding and subscriptions for the theatre in the last few years has been as a result of people working there showing commitment and dynamism in the company. The turnaround has been as a result of working together as a team that is motivated and goal oriented. Motivation of employees within an organisation is very crucial and significant in determinant performance. Leaders within an organisation are tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that the workforce is adequately motivated in order for them to give their duties the fullest efforts. People within organisations are driven by psychological aspects which determine the way they perceive their jobs and consequently how they carry them out in this view, motivation is therefore a psychological aspect which affects work performance and perceptions when workers are motivated, they identify with their tasks and achievement of organisational goals is perceived as personal achievement as well (Lam & Lambermont-Ford 2010). Motivation is also viewed as a way of manipulating people in a way that brings competitive advantage in the organisation. Survival of the theatre is therefore based on the human resource orientation and the ability of top managers and leaders to motivate employees working in practical and functional capacities. Motivation takes various perspectives depending on the nature of the organisations. For instance, the theatre can allow its employees to subscribe to box offices and other shows are reduced rates or even for free. This could also be extended to their social ties such as close friends and family. It creates the perception that the coma cares about its employees and what happens to them when they are outside their work zones. Packages of remuneration in the theatre also act as a motivation to work better. Inception of reward systems which are given to top performance is also critical. This should also take place when specific goals and thresholds reached. For instance, marketing campaigns for the theatre should have targets which upon achieving should be rewarded accordingly. Rewards in this view should be both intrinsic and extrinsic in nature. In determining the motivational strategies to use, the company needs to understand its workforce and the kind of duties that are dispensed. Such an understanding is crucial in determining the form of motivational approach to use. First understanding individual employees in the company in terms of aspirations, needs, and desires is important. The intended rewards should also have specific value to the intended recipient. In this case, there should be a variety of rewards that suit employees according to their preferences. The working environment for individual has significant opportunities for motivation that can be utilised.. The management of the company should therefore consider all this in their motivational strategies and decide appropriately on the best selection or combination that would work for the employees. Different employees have different psychological and physiological needs. The human resource department should create a personalised approach that would help determine these needs. Needs and behaviours are closely related. Motivation finds a way to satisfy the needs of individuals through their work (McAuley, 2012). The employee base of the company is one of the most strategic and valuable asset that it has. Establishing a god relationship is therefore key to maintaining profitability and survival in the future. International portfolio management The Sydney Theatre Company has grown form a small venture to the largest of its kind in Australia. It has doe eths through maintenance of a national orientation that has seen it cover the Australian market comprehensively. In its long term plan, the company has used several strategies in order to appeal to international audiences and stakeholders. Today, globalisation is shaping the way organisations are being run and the scope of their operations as well. Market integration has helped organisations to go beyond their borders. This means that goods and services can be sold to foreign counties in a bid to diversify and achieve more comprehensive goals the international platform offers numerous opportunities for the theatre. This is because art is generally appreciated and loved throughout the world. This is the reason why a significant number of stakeholders in the theatre are from other countries. The international platform offers a significant opportunity for outsourcing of art and entertainment that would be appealing to many audiences. The Australian market is well understood by the theatre and can be said to be optimum. However, the Australian perspective still offers significant opportunities for the theatre. The theatre could create franchise like outlets in other countries through implementation of well researched and well planned strategies. Theatre is all about culture and art. The international platform offers a great opportunity for the company to showcase interesting aspects form different parts of the world. The theatre could also organise international showcases that are expected to attract audiences from specific target countries. This calls for collaboration with relevant stakeholders and interest groups in order to achieve the best possible results. In this case, the leaders and managers at the company should be ready and willing to go global. This calls for international management practices which ensure that people within the organisation are willing and ready to actively participate in the international market. Management of technology Technology is one of the main drivers of organisational success in the world todays. Application of relevant technology is essential in ensuring that organisations reduce their costs and achieve efficiency and accuracy. Application f technology also applies in different perspective that are employed by the organisation first information technology is very crucial for the theatre. Given its magnitude and scope of operation, information technology should be up to date and users should be well trained and able to use it appropriately. Thee way information is shared and its flow pattern affects organisational performance in the long run (Melitski, Gavin, & Gavin 2010).. Therefore, communication technology at the theatre should be well maintained to avoid communication lapses that might sot the company. The information technology perspectives also relate to databases of important information that is required for the day to day running of the company. Another aspect of technology that the company has been embarking is using green technology. This shows the corporate social responsibility part of the organisation through environmental conservation efforts. The theatre commenced an ambitious plan which was termed as “Greening the Wharf”. This project involved installation of a mega solar powered system that would run the theatre. It also has a water storage system which services water needs in the theatre. These technological advancements save the theatre millions of dollars in terms of water and power costs (Maxwell, 2011). Management in the theatre should continue with such conservation efforts in a bid to ensure that modern technology is embraced and utilised to the fullest. Investing in relevant technology is crucial if the long term goals are to be achieved. This should also extend to platforms such as online portfolios in terms of sales, advertisements and forums. As a result, more audiences can be reached in an international perspective that enhances connectivity. Decision making process in management Decision making within organisations is a critical managerial process. The process starts from top leaders and management and is then delegated to junior staff and personnel. In this view, the process should be well structured in manner that does not delay required action. The theatre has evidently embraced appropriate decision making strategies which are evidenced by the current performance. In achieving future goals, the company should ensure that delegation of decisions is done in a manner that does not compromise its activities. Having a well-motivated and talented workforce, each individual should be aware of their decision making limits ad when they should consult colleagues, supervisors or higher management. This is the reason why communication in the theatre is very significant in achieving long term stability. The current crop of leaders and managers in the theatre has shown significant resilience and capabilities to influence positive performance in the organisation. Other personnel should draw inspiration and follow such leadership in their work as well. All the managerial processes in the company are guided b proper planning and decision making. The process is, therefore, very significant at all levels of the organisation. Training and consistent team work is critical in ensuring employee always know what to do and when to do it. Personal judgement also plays a key role in determining the type of decisions made. This is why having psychologically and physiologically satisfied employees is significant (Zheng, Yang, & McLean 2010. Conclusion The Sydney theatre has come a long way in its development process. It has experienced turbulent times and losses on its progressive path. However, application of relevant management strategies has helped it to survive and regain its glory. The management processes in the company are very significant in determining the overall performance of the theatre. Diversification and application of relevant strategies are the main drivers towards a sustainable venture in the future. The structure of the company is significant as well as it determines the path which will be followed by individual responsible for various aspects of the theatre. In the long run individual efforts are what determine the success of the organisation. Therefore, managing people in the theatre is a significant human resource process that should be comprehensively dealt with. In this view, motivation and appreciation of the workforce is important. The diversification path of the theatre should also invest in the global platform in a more robust and aggressive way. This is because globalisation and international management offer significant opportunities for growth and sustainability. The technological orientation of the theatre should be shaped towards reducing cost, increasing efficiency, increasing audiences and subscriptions, and making performance of duties easier. References Garvin, D. A. (2012). The processes of organization and management. Sloan management review, 39. Griffin, R. W., Pustay, M. W., & Liu, C. (2010). International business. Prentice Hall. Lam, A., & Lambermont-Ford, J. P. (2010). Knowledge sharing in organisational contexts: a motivation-based perspective. Journal of Knowledge Management, 14(1), 51-66. Maxwell, I. (2011). La Boite: The Story of an Australian Theatre Company [Book Review]. Australasian Drama Studies, (58), 253. McAuley, G. (2012). 5 What is Sydney about Sydney Theatre?. Performance and the Politics of Space: Theatre and Topology, 81. Melitski, J., Gavin, D., & Gavin, J. (2010). Technology adoption and organizational culture in public organizations. International Journal of Organization Theory & Behavior (PrAcademics Press), 13(4). Sydney Theatre Company. (2013). Sydney Theatre Company. Retrieved December 12, 2013, from http://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/community/theatre-in-communities.aspx Sydney Theatre Company. 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