Allstyles Department Store: Management Theories and Practices Report

This report analyzes the management practices at Allstyles Department Store, focusing on the role of General Manager Rebecca. The report begins with an introduction to management functions and then delves into Rebecca's responsibilities, including communication and strategy implementation, planning, motivation, controlling and guidance, monitoring, and conflict management. The importance of each function is discussed in the context of the department store. The main body then explores the application of management theories, specifically the Administrative Management Theory, within the context of Allstyles. The principles of division of work and authority, as outlined by Henri Fayol, are examined for their relevance to the department store's operations. The report concludes by summarizing the key findings and their implications for effective management in a retail environment.

Management Thought and
Practices

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY..................................................................................................................................3
1. Functions and Roles that Rebecca perform and importance of that for Allstyles Department
Store and Businesses alike...........................................................................................................3
2. Management theories that are applicable for Allstyles Department Store..............................8
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................12
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................13

INTRODUCTION
Management can be defined as an activity through which all the efforts and activities
being carried out at organisation are coordinated. Some of the activities of Management are
planning organising and controlling so that organisation can achieve its objectives. Management
is a vast activity that extends to all the areas of organisation.This report is based on case study of
Rebecca. Rebecca is working as General Manager at Allstyles Department Store. This case study
also includes functions of Rebecca at department store. As a General Manager all the functions
of Rebecca are part of management functions in which Rebecca plays important role in
functioning of all the department of the store. On the basis of analysis of this case study the
report will discuss about roles and functions of Rebecca and their importance for Allstyles
Department Store and business alike. Later management theories will also be discussed in
context of the case study.
MAIN BODY
1. Functions and Roles that Rebecca perform and importance of that for Allstyles Department
Store and Businesses alike
Communication and Strategy Implementation
This is one of the important role and function of Rebecca in which she firstly undertake
meeting with departmental managers. Communication is integral part of the managerial functions
in which Rebecca ensures to speak with all departmental managers in order to explain price and
promotional strategy (Mutisya, 2016). This way Rebecca also play important role in strategy
implementation. Communication involves communicating strategy so that all the people who are
involved in strategy and its implementation are aware about the strategy and how it needs to be
implemented. These are important function as general manager of the store has to look over all
the activities of the organisation. strategy implementation plays key role in success of
organisational activities and this is why it is important that it is communicated properly. For
further and operational level communication Rebecca expect the managers to communicate and
inform staff about price reduction and way in which goods should be presented and customers

will be informed about promotions. Importance of Communication and strategy implementation
for Allstyles Department Store and businesses alike are-
 It ensures that all the parties concerned with decision and requires knowing certain
information is communicated on time and given required information.
 Strategy implementation is important because it contributes in achieving business
objectives and implementing strategy successfully leads to effective results (Odero,
2016).
Planning
This is another activity and role of Rebecca at Allstyles department store in which she can be
seen at participating in a meeting concerned with planning with senior management. In this
planning meeting Rebecca agree to sales target for the coming 12 months. Rebecca also inform
senior management about the computer Store that has open close to Allstyles department store
and taking the store in account states that the planning is strategic planning in which all the
affecting factors are considered and planning is done accordingly. Planning create basis for
operations and function of organisation health planning is very important for or ensuring that
Organization has clear objectives to be achieved. This objectives are part of planning and it is
important to ensure that all the planning concerned with operations to be performed at Store and
business alike are successful and possess strong possibilities of success. Importance of Planning
for Allstyles Department Store and businesses alike-
 Planning ensures that all the resources are used effectively and efficiently. Planning
contributes in defining roles of different resources in achieving objectives of the
organization.
 Managing Risk and Uncertainty is another importance of planning. This means that
planning outlines all the risk and uncertainties that can be experienced while achieving
objectives (Ortikmirzaevich, 2017). This required developing measures through which
risk and uncertainties can be managed and reduced.
Motivation

This is another role that is played by Rebecca at Allstyles department store. For a manager it is
very important that they undertake activities through which they are able to motivate employees
of the organisation. Rebecca being a manager also undertake such activities in which she can be
seen as presenting shop workers with star badges for outstanding sales record. Rebecca also
takes picture with them which is supposed to be published internal newspaper of Allstyles
department store (Koster, 2017). Motivation is an important factor that contributes in effective
performance of employee that organisation and in order to maintain performance of employees it
is important that they are motivated. The technique that is used at all styles department store is
known as recognition in which employees are recognised for their outstanding performance. This
add value in motivating the employees who have outperformed and also those who haven’t
performed at such level but recognising others motivate them so that they can also get
recognition. Some of the reasons because of which motivation is important for Allstyles
Department Store and businesses alike are-
 Improves performance level, this is one of the important reason and importance of
motivation as this improved performance of the employees.
 Indifference attitude can be changed, this means that motivation changes attitude of the
employees towards achievement of objectives. For example, in this some of the
employees with outstanding were recognised and will get a place in internal newspaper,
this will change attitude of other employees towards performance of employees.
 Reduction in Employee turnover and Absenteeism is another importance of motivation in
which motivation ensures that employees remain in organisation for longer and they also
do not remain absent from their respective duties (Breaugh, Ritz and Alfes, 2018).
Controlling and giving guidance
This is another role and function that is played by Rebecca in which Rebecca controls operations
of Allstyles department store. Controlling can be considered as reviewing poor performance of
electric product division with the manager and identifying the reason because of which there is a
deviation in standard performance and actual performance (Brown and Mueller, 2018). As a
result she figured out that absence of staff is the reason that has contributed to the problem and
cause poor performance of of electric product division. This is an important function of

managers in which they monitor and evaluate performance of organisation and its different
departments. This allows them to identify and understand deviation between actual and standard
performance. Identifying the deviation they can understand the reason behind deviation and how
the reason can be removed show the performance again is effective and according to set
standards. Providing guidance is another function that Rebecca is manager play at Allstyles
department store. The case study suggest that in order to improve performance of electrical
product department Rebecca provide suggestion to manager in order to improve attendance by
additional training sessions of staff motivation and monitoring employee performance.
Controlling is important for Allstyles department store as well as all other businesses that are
operating like Allstyles department store. Importance of controlling for Allstyles Department
Stores and businesses alike are-
 This helps in justifying accuracy of the standards. This means controlling contributes in
justifying that all the standards that has been set earlier are accurate.
 Ensuring use and usability of the resources, this is another importance of controlling in
which use of resources can be effectively designed.
 Controlling is important as it set discipline and order this means controlling bring order
tin working and operations. This also brings discipline in employees as they become
more conscious regarding timelines and their completion.
 Facilitating Coordination in activities of the organization, controlling different actions is
concerned with analyzing standards of activities as individual (Lepistö and et.al., 2020).
But this when is concerned with overall activity this improves and bring coordination in
different activities of the organization.
Monitoring
Rebecca also performs the function of monitoring in which undertake meeting with builders
Architects and planners to discuss progress of new store extension. This is known as monitoring
in which progress of operations and functions are measured and monitoring undertake
comparison of work completed with work that has been planned while planning for the
operation. In this Rebecca was concerned that they were not working closely and project good
fall behind schedules. This means that throughmonitoring success and progress of operations can

be evaluated and in case there is deviation in planning and actual operation the modification in
Planning and execution can be made on the right time. Monitoring is important for all
organisation and forAllstyles department store as well. There are several reasons because of
which monitoring are important (Charpenteau, 2017). These are-
 Changes and modification can be done on the right time before they create any long term
and significant impact on the performance. This means monitoring reveals mistakes
before they create any long term impact and during monitoring they are easy to remove
and eliminate.
 It shows the progress and later it can be measured with projected progress and deviations
can be identified on time before they become difficult to deal with.
Conflict management
Conflict management is important function that is played by managers and case study states that
Rebecca also played role in conflict management (McKibben, 2017). Conflict management can
be defined as a Process through which managers ensure that negative impact of conflict on
performance and motivation of members are reduced and positive implication of conflict are
increased. Conflict management ensure that an justified solution is provided to the parties that
are part of dispute. This is an important function of manager because conflict are natural in
organisation and within teams and in such situation it is important that conflict are resolved at the
very place and time when and where conflict emerges. Some of the reasons because of which
conflict management is important forAllstyles department store and businesses alike are-
 It reduced and eliminates any negative impact that performance of members can have
because conflict creates difficult situation and unfriendly environment of organisation.
 This also reduces the impact that environment of the organisation and other employees
can have.
 Conflicts managed strategically can also contribute in improved performances of the
organisation and members of the organisation (McKibben, 2017). This means sometimes
conflict management create a situation of positive competition in which employees
competing with others create a situation that is favourable for organisation.

 Many times conflicts of the employees in the organisation can make negative impact on
their performance and job satisfaction. Dealing with conflicts and management of conflict
is also important to avoid all such situation.
2. Management theories that are applicable for Allstyles Department Store
Management theories refer to ways and styles in which management can be carried out in
organisations. Among all the theories of management two of the theories that are applicable for
Allstyles Department Store are-
Administrative Management Theory
This theory of the management is based on the concept of departmentalization in these
different activities to be performed for achieving the common purpose of the organisation should
be identified and the activities are classified into different departments. Allstyles Department
Store is is its nature is managed through the theory of administrative management in which
different activities of the store are classified on the basis of departments (Voxted, 2017). The aim
of this is to ensure that all the activities are carried out and completed with efficiency and
effectiveness. Developed by Henri Fayol this theory emphasis on organisational management
and human and behavioural factors of the management. Organisational structure has been given
due importance in this theory and way in which organisational structure contribute in
achievement of organisational objectives. In this theory of management certain principles have
been developed by Henry Fayol and these principles are applicable for Allstyles Department
Store. The principles are as follows-
Division of Work
This means division of work on the basis of specialization of the employees. This is visible
through employing specialised people for specialised and particular activity.
Authority
This means that when employees and managers of the organisation are provided with authority
they must also be provided with adequate responsibilities in the organisation. All employees and
managers in organisation have different responsibilities in organisation.

Discipline
This means that organisation definitely ensure discipline in different ways (Edwards, 2018). This
in Allstyles Department Store is done by monitoring and evaluation of performance and rules
have also been designed for this.
Unity of Command
This means that employees should only have one person as a supervisor and In Allstyles
Department Store employees are supervised by their departmental manager.
Unity of Direction
This means that teams with the same objectives should be working under one manager because
this ensure effective coordination of the activities.
Subordination of Individual Interests to the General Interest
This means that interest of group and organisation should be kept at superiority and individual
interest should be kept after organisational and group interest.
Remuneration
This means that satisfactory remuneration should be provided to employees. This includes
financial and non-financial compensation.
Centralization
This means that decision making in the organisation should be well-balanced. This also involves
relation of employees with decision-making.
Scalar Chain
This means that employees should have adequate knowledge of their position in the hierarchy of
organisation (Medhekar, 2020). In this Allstyles Department Stores ensure that from the time
employees are recruited in the organisation they are aware about their position in hierarchy.
Order

This is concerned with maintenance of the workplace in terms of safety for employees. This also
means that all the things within the organisation should have its place within it.
Equity
This means that managers should treat all the employees equally and there should be no
difference in treatment which is given to employees. This includes fair treatment in terms of
disciplinary actions and in rewards and positive behaviour.
Stability of Tenure of Personnel
This means that managers should ensure a adequate personnel planning for employees and
should ensure a minimum tenure of employees in the organisation. Allstyles Department Stores
complete these functions through its HR functions.
Initiative
This means that employees within organisation should be given adequate freedom so that they
can take initiative (Pagare, 2020). This is important so that employees can use their creativity
and knowledge in order to improve functioning of the organisation.
Esprit de Corps
This means that organisation should ensure that employees in the organisation are in unity and
organisation promotes team spirit. This enhances performance and productivity in the
organisation.
Along with this one more theory of management that applies to Allstyles Department Stores.
This theory is System Theory
System management theory
Management theories play an important role as it allows manager in managing people as
well as all functions of an organization in an effective manner. It can be said that all sectors and
types of businesses face some problems due to changing nature of business environmental
factors like instability of political condition, economic condition, and changes in needs of
employees. In the context of All style department stores which operates and provide clothing for

both men and women, furniture and electric goods as well, it can be said that it requires adopting
an effective management style in order to perform all functions smoothly and also retaining their
employees at stores for the longer run. It is stated that poor staff absence is causing poor
performance of electrical product division and it is also found that workers in this department are
not working properly. So, it is important to select the best management theory for guiding them,
motivating them and encouraging them to help company in meeting their goals.
As per the system management theory, manager allows workers of all departments to work at
one place as like an effective system in harmony. It is suitable for those companies who have 2
or more than 2 departments and stores (Maylor and Turner, 2017). For working in an effective
manner, employees require a proper system which can help them out in maintaining discipline
and also can help each others in completing their functions. In this type of theory, the main key
of the success depends upon interdependence, synergy and interrelation between subsystems. It
is already identified that All system stores have different departments as it has subsystems for
clothing, electric goods and furniture so for making all employees understand and able to know
that all are being treated in an effective and a fair manner, manager allow them to work at one
place and take help of each others if required. It improves their relation and makes them feel
valued and motivated employees are more likely to stay engaged and retained with the company
for the long run.
In addition, it is also can be said that in this theory employees are considered one of the most
important components of the company as well as departments. Manager in this theory require
evaluating patterns as well as events within their store in order to determine the best and
effective management approach. They also require working together with their all workers on
programme for ensuring success and eliminating all problems which they are facing like poor
performance, absenteeism and others (Kitana, 2016). It can also be said that by making an
effective use of this system management theory, manager of All system store in city centre can
allows its company to not only make a successful film but also expanding business and stores as
well. This theory makes employees feel valued when all departments of workers work at one
place as a system and manager treat them in a fair manner by supporting them in completing
their functions and make them feel an important resource of the company.

CONCLUSION
On the basis of above discussion it can be concluded that all the functions that are played
by Rebecca are important functions and roles of manager. This means these are some of the
important roles that are played by managers. The roles discussed in context of case study were
planning, controlling, conflict management and some other functions. These are important
managerial functions and their importances were discussed in the report. Later this report
discussed about the managerial theories that are applicable to Allstyles Department Store. In this
context administrative theory and system theory of management were discussed. Administrative
theory focuses on departmentalization and the store is also department store and its managerial
activities are also departmentalized and this is the reason that this theory is applicable for the
store. System theory is concerned with effective and efficient management of human in
organisation and this is why this theory is also suitable and applicable for the Allstyles
Departmental Stores.

REFERENCES
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pharmaceutical companies in Nairobi Kenya (Doctoral dissertation, United States
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