Assessment 3: Reflective Journal for 10 Weeks

Week 1: Foundations of management practice

In this week, we were introduced to management concepts, functions and strategies in the
community services sector. Throughout this week, my involvement in the business concepts,
applications, and strategies of the community ministry has been enlightening (Robbins, et.al.,
2015). I delved into the complex web of organizational structures, leadership styles, and key
roles that drive these projects forward. Understanding the nuances of planning, organizing,
leading, and controlling gave me a comprehensive overview of how efficiencies can boost
community-based businesses. Furthermore, the requirement of an action plan developed for this
sector has highlighted the importance of aligning objectives with community needs. Armed with
this knowledge, we are well equipped to navigate the dynamic environment of community
service management and support impactful contributions.
Moreover, during this week I learned about major themes and theories of management that are
important in managing an organization. This week’s course provides a foundational
understanding of important management topics and principles needed for effective organizational
management (Robbins, et.al., 2015). Examining concepts such as classical, behavioral, and
contemporary approaches, we captured different perspectives on effective leadership, decision-
making, and team dynamics. This insight is essential to organize coherent and efficient
operations within an organization, thereby becoming a platform for informed and strategic
management practices.
Week 2: Governance
This week I learned about not-for-profit organisations and their role in community. I gained
valuable insight into non-profit organizations and the important role they play in the community.
Motivated by mission rather than profit, these organizations play a vital role in solving social
challenges and fostering positive change (Hudson, 2009). Non-profits stimulate social
improvement by channeling resources and efforts into local needs, such as education, health care,
and social services I come to point out their delicate balance between factors of sustainability
and serving the greater good through effective fundraising, volunteer engagement and strategic
partnerships to leverage their impact and drive sustainable growth come into the lives of people
in need.
Furthermore, I learned more about the management in non-profit organization. This week’s class
work/activities deepened my understanding of management in nonprofit organizations, and
revealed differentiated principles of mission and leadership. The dynamics of these organizations
include better allocation of limited resources, engaging interested volunteers, and creating
collaboration to achieve social goals in communities (Hudson, 2009). Balanced economic
policies and livelihoods tracking impact emphasizes the importance of good governance,
transparent communication and effective fundraising in these organizations. I learned that
successful non-profit organization’s management relies on skills to navigate the challenges of
stakeholder program development and community engagement, empowering these organizations
to deliver change meaningful, sustainable results in the communities they serve.
 Week 3: Leadership
During this week, I learned about leadership and how it is different from management. Over the
course of this week, I have explored the distinction between leadership and management,
unraveling their nuanced roles within organizations. While management primarily involves the
coordination of tasks, resources, and processes to achieve established goals, leadership is more
concerned with inspiring and guiding individuals towards a shared vision (Robbins et al., 2015).
Leadership transcends formal authority, encompassing qualities like vision, innovation, and the
ability to motivate and empower teams. Management, on the other hand, centers around
planning, organizing, and overseeing day-to-day operations. Understanding this difference has
highlighted the importance of cultivating both skill sets to foster a harmonious and effective
organizational environment that balances execution and inspiration.
In addition, I learned that leadership plays a multifaceted role in organizational success. It serves
as a guiding light that clarifies the mission, direction and objectives of the organization and
fosters a shared understanding and shared purpose among members. By motivating individuals,
leadership fuels intrinsic enthusiasm and commitment, fostering an environment where
individuals willingly invest their efforts. Leaders also act as scouts, actively seeking novel
opportunities for growth, innovation, and expansion (Robbins et al., 2015). This visionary
approach provides organizations with a dynamic edge in an ever-evolving landscape.
Furthermore, leadership imparts a sense of purpose, anchoring individuals to a higher cause and
rallying them around a common mission. Ultimately, leadership's ability to focus people on tasks
aligns efforts cohesively, propelling the organization toward its objectives with clarity and
purpose.
Week 4: Motivational theories
In this week I learned more about motivational theories and their role in an organization.
Throughout this week, my exploration of motivational theories has shed light on their profound
significance within organizations. These theories delve into the complex realm of human
psychology, offering insights into what drives individuals to engage actively and passionately in
their work. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, for instance, underscores how employees' needs
progress from basic survival to self-actualization, highlighting the importance of addressing
these layers to foster motivation (Robbins et al., 2015). Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory delves
into the dual nature of factors that influence motivation, differentiating between hygiene factors
that prevent dissatisfaction and motivational factors that enhance engagement. Equity Theory
underscores the importance of perceived fairness in distributing rewards and recognition. By
grasping these theories, I have recognized that motivation is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it is
a nuanced interplay of various factors, including individual needs, perceptions of fairness, and
the fulfillment derived from the work itself. Effectively leveraging these theories can empower
organizations to cultivate a motivated workforce, leading to enhanced job satisfaction,
productivity and overall success.
Week 5: Decision Making
This week offered more details about decision making process and quality of a decision. I gained
a broader understanding of the decision-making process, which is the cornerstone of effective
productivity. I have found that decisions tend to follow a structured process: the problem or
opportunity is identified, relevant information is gathered, options are developed and evaluated,
choices are made, the decision is implemented, and finally results are evaluated. The importance
of rational decision-making, where choices are made systematically based on thorough analysis
of available information and options, has been emphasized but I also found that real-world
information often makes sense limited, where time, information and perspective can constrain
decisions. The importance of heuristics and intuition has been emphasized, despite the potential
risks of bias.
Exploring the intricacies of decision quality has been enlightening. I have learned that the quality
of a decision is determined by its alignment with organizational goals, the accuracy of
information used, the consideration of alternatives, and the potential risks and benefits. The
concept of decision quality is closely tied to outcomes; as effective decisions lead to desired
results. However, I've come to realize that quality isn't solely determined by hindsight; even
well-informed decisions can yield unfavorable outcomes due to unforeseen circumstances.
Moreover, understanding the difference between effectiveness (achieving intended results) and
efficiency (minimizing resources used) has unveiled the multidimensionality of decision quality.
This week's insights have underscored the need for a balanced approach that accounts for both
rational analysis and adaptive thinking in striving for decisions that align with organizational
objectives and enhance overall performance.