|
Strategic Motivation
Systems – a Key Element of Strategic Management
It is obvious that in order for the development
of a
strategic plan to be efficient,
motivation is required. But without
motivation, the successful
implementation of
this plan is impossible. The specifics of strategic planning largely
determine the details of the systems of motivation.
The motivation system functions according to
the qualities and mechanisms of motivation, which is developed during the
stage of entry strategy preparation. First and foremost, this system has to
inspire employees
involved in the process of strategy development and implementation to orient
their mindset toward a
strategic way of thinking.
Formalizing the Strategic
Motivation System
Formalizing the strategic motivation system
includes establishing a system of daily
incentives for employees, especially those who are responsible for
strategy development and
implementation. The formal system is presented in a document, where all
suggestions about motivation and incentives are developed and described. It
includes all
moral, social, and
financial instruments of motivation of individual employees and groups
of employees. Special recognition and awards should be given to those who go
above and beyond in creating and implementing strategic ideas.
How To Deal With the Lack
of Initiative
One of the main challenges of motivation
systems is the lack of initiative. This has implications for all major
functions of management systems. It obviously makes it difficult for
executives
to
delegate operational decisions to managers.
Case in Point
Encouraging
Initiative-taking Attitude in a Russian Organization
In an attempt to encourage an independent,
initiative-taking attitude, the mayor of a city in an oil-reach province of
Russia officially prohibited the use of the following phrases by any
employee when meeting with superiors:
-
"I don't know."
-
"Why would I need that?"
-
That's impossible."
-
That would cut into my lunch
break."
-
That's not my responsibility."
-
My secretary made an error."
-
I don't recall you telling me
that."
The Importance of Social
Incentives
In establishing motivational systems, many
executives and
managers overemphasize financial incentives and
ignore social incentives, which can be powerful. It goes without saying that
employees will respond to changes in their pay. However, managers should
also consider the effectiveness of social incentives, such as public
recognition of accomplishments and mistakes.
The Most Difficult and
Important Part of the Strategic Motivation System
A strategic motivation system consists of a set
of methods, procedures, and instruments to efficiently implement strategic
plan in practice. The most difficult and important function is to motivate
executives, managers and even professionals to think strategically, to
permanently develop a
vision
of the future.
|
