Modern Marine Management Practice - Essay Example

The Application of the Management Theories In the Modern Marine Management Practice Introduction In an organization, one of the most important foundations is the composition of the management policies. Most of the policies that are being set up by the leaders of the organizations and company managements are based on the different theories and principles that serve as the main guidelines in the process of supervision and administration of a company. To be able to achieve an understanding on the importance of the principle in the modifications undertaken in the modern marine management practice, the comparative study of two important theories is undertaken. Also, the efficiency of such principles as well as application was measured. In the study conducted, the main focus is the comparative analysis of the application of the McGregor theory and the Maslow hierarchy of needs. These theories as considered as two of the main theories that comprise the foundation of organizational behaviour and practices. In addition, the main objective is to be able to present the application of these theories in the modern management of marine practice. Specifically, to be able to achieve the results of the study it is important to the able to define the theories first and determine the methods for which they can be utilized in a system or organization. Upon the determination of the modes of action of the McGregor and the Maslow Theories, the subsequent objective is the possibility of application and even the effects of utilization in the marine practice. Thus, through the course of the study, the development of the concept related to the application and the achievement of the niche of the organizational behaviour theories in the practical field such as modern marine management can be determined and presented. The Management Theories and Applications To be able to achieve the set objectives of the study, it is important to define and determine the possible means of application of the organizational theories under study, specifically the McGregor Theory and the Maslow Hierarchy of Needs Theory. The McGregor Theory The theory which was established by McGregor is one of the means that an organization can be managed. It is composed of two theories that are aimed to present methods that a leader can administer and lead various types of subordinates. The main components of the theory are theory X and theory Y. The main perspective the theory projects are the ways that a leader can lead and manage the people through motivation. Theory X revolves around a single motivation which is money and compensation. The worker can then be described selfish for own compensation and monetary value; can even lack the responsibility and the drive to work. When the leader recognizes the said type of people, it is important to consider that such subordinates are in need of guidance and close direction (Leonard, 2002; Miner, 2002) Theory Y, on the other hand, is composed of people and workers that are motivated by various types of factors. These factors are exclusive of monetary compensation. In cases in fact, the actions of the people can be considered as a result for their dedication and love for the job and the task at hand. In terms of motivation, commonly, they are self motivated, thus responsibilities are readily taken. In addition, decision making can also be an initiative. A leader with the said subordinates is at best provides guidance while making them independent (Leonard, 2002; Miner, 2002). Through the said components of the theory of McGregor, the leader can determine the type of leadership and the effective ways of motivation that can be undertaken. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Another important organizational and behavioural principle is the theory established by Abraham Maslow. The said theory can be applied to different field of behavioural aspect and organization. Thus, the utilization of the said theory in specific fields can be considered as one of the most important aspect of the study conducted. As related to the leadership aspect, the theory deals with satisfying the needs of the subordinates. It can be perceived that the behaviour of people in the environment is the ultimate effect of the goal to satisfy his need, mainly the basic needs. A person has a multitude of needs in different aspects of his/her existence. This includes the basic needs such as the factors needed for survival, water, air, food and even shelter. In addition, other types of needs are psychological in nature such as the need for safety, social acceptance, self-esteem and even fulfilment and self actualization (Frunizi and Savini, 1997). Based on the established principle, the basic needs are the primal point of seeking for satisfaction. According to the established theory, the satisfaction of need can only be undertaken in sequence, thus, other needs can only be satisfied after the basic needs are achieved. After the basic needs are satisfied, the safety and security needs are then needed to be given attention (Miner, 2002; Schermerhorn, Hunt, and Osborn, 2000). The safety needs can be considered as the next priority due to the fact that the person can only give focus to social issues and other aspects upon the satisfaction of the basic needs that basically targets the physiological aspect. The stability and security can be considered as the subsequent priority due to the fact that it is involved in the interpersonal aspect of existence. Due to the fact that a person requires interaction with other people in the survival in the society, such needs can be considered of priority in addition to the basic needs (Miner, 2002). Thus, the social issues and factors come next. This is in terms of the fact that people are human beings, thus, have needs in terms of being given affection and compassion. Even understanding and belongingness can make the difference in the development of the character and personality of an individual. The capability of social interaction is critically needed in any tasks and activity undertaken, may it be work or play (Miner, 2002; Frunizi and Savini, 1997). Upon the achievement of safety and the niche in the social universe, excelling is the next objective. Due to the fact that humans are intellectual and social beings, acceptance in the social arena leads to the need and the desire to be the best in the chosen field. The need for self-esteem is related to respect, recognition, competence and accomplishment. Another reason is the nature of human beings that are always in need of being recognized and wanting (Schermerhorn, Hunt, and Osborn, 2000). Self-actualization can be considered as the ultimate level wherein the needs of the person involves accomplishments through hark work. This includes the success in career and endeavors. Basically, the achievement and fulfillment of the needs can be considered as a subjective one. In this case, the external factors cannot define the basis of the consideration for the satisfaction of the needs in this level (Miner, 2002; Schermerhorn, Hunt, and Osborn, 2000). Due to the importance of the highest level of needs which is self actualization, a modern development of the study by Maslow specifically then defined more needs. One of these needs that are included in the self-actualization needs of a person is the cognitive aspect or the needs for intellectual improvement. Another is the aesthetic fulfillment wherein order and beauty are the main focus. It can then be defined that upon the achievement of improvement of the attainment of knowledge and skill, the appearance comes next. The actual self-actualization or the realization is now specifically focused on the 7th level of the hierarchy followed by transcendence, which is the final level. It can be defined as the attainment of the knowledge of oneself, the realization of one's capabilities (Miner, 2002; Schermerhorn, Hunt, and Osborn, 2000). These are two of the most important behavioral theories that are used to be able to determine the behavior of the people in a group. For that matter, the leadership and management of the group can be undertaken though analysis of the possible ways and means that the group can be motivated or their needs can be satisfied. The Modern Marine Practice The main goal of the study undertaken is to be able to determine the utilization of the behavioral theories in a specific field. For that matter, the field of Marine Practice is the main area considered. The main focus is the modern marine management practice. Although the coverage of the said areas can be considered as a major field, the main aim of the study is in the line of organizational management of the shipping lines. There are different aspects of the shipping industry that are taken into consideration in the management of the said sector. These aspects include the administrative, the legal and the practical division. In the marine management, aside from the consideration of the different aspects of shipping industries, there are different issues and factors that are taken into consideration in the upgrading of the system and the application of policies. In terms of the legal aspect, there are international shipping policies that are taken into consideration as well as the domestic policies that transcends the value of the companies although the capital, which are the ships are constantly in motion Pamborides, G. P. (1999). Aside from the policies, the economic aspect and the target market is also another essential facet. This can be attributed to the fact that, shipping industry is yet another industry that contributes and participate in the international and the domestic trade. For that matter, issues such as deregulation has also a version in the shipping industry Sagers, C. (2005). To be able to determine a specific organizational structure of a shipping company, the Maersk Company Limited can be studied. The said company is involved in a variety of shipping fields and activities including container vessels, tankers, supply vessels and gas transport. As a means of transportation, the shipping industry is still another essential type (Maersk Company Limited, 2007). Application of the Theories In terms of the application of the theories in relation to the modern marine management, the two theories can be correspondingly compared and studied. The McGregor motivation theory can be applied on the basis that the workers and every members of the organization can be diagnostically studied. Upon the determination of the characteristic of the group, the proper motivation can be applied. Based on the classification, the motivation can be based on compensation or based on any form of recognition. In cases, wherein the people and the members of the organization can be motivated by compensation, it is important to be able to give proper guidance. In terms of the marine management practice, the industries that are related to marine activities can be considered as those motivated by compensation and fall under the theory X. Also the needs of the target market and the clientele are the main motivation of the system. For that matter, the theory Y can be applied due to the fact that the service for customers is the main priority and motivation factor. On the basis of the Maslow's hierarchy of needs on the other hand, is based on the achievement of the goals of the company by tapping the need for accomplishment of individual members. This can be undertaken by having a unified goal. On the other hand, motivation can primarily be achieved by satisfying the subsequent needs of the members of the organization, primarily the basic needs and ultimately the self-actualization needs. Through this the maximum potential of the people can be utilized. This can result to the streamlining of the activities of the people towards a more dignified goal, that is not only the satisfaction of the basic needs and not only be motivated by monetary compensation. In terms of the marine management hierarchy of needs the primary needs of the people are satisfied. In this case, the primary goal is to be able to earn. When an individual becomes a member of an organization with advocacy such as preservation, conservation and management of the marine environment, the needs for self actualization are then satisfied. In general, the needs of the employees are needed to be in line with the objectives of the company. This will ensure the attainment of the mission and vision of the company through synergy of the different behavioral theories for improvement of organizational structure. Conclusion In conclusion, the application of theories can be undertaken and even perceived in organizations to be able to better understand the people and to better lead while at the same time motivating them to contribute in the unified achievement of the company's goals. This is a simultaneous process as the satisfaction of the needs of the people in the different aspects of well being. Reference: Frunizi, G. L. and Savini, P. E. (1997). Supervision: The Art of Management. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, Inc. Harris, G. (1995). Marine Management on Solid Ground. Americas (English Edition), 47, May-June 1995. Hodgetts, R. M., and Luthans, F. (2000). International Management. Boston, MA: Irwin Mc-Graw Hill. Leonard, D. C. (2002). Learning Theories, A to Z. Westport, CT: Oryx Press. Maersk Company Limited (2007). Businesss Areas [online]. Available from http://www.maersk.co.uk/ [Accessed 14 September 2007]. Miner, J. B. (2002). 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