Question

Arjun and Neha were close friends. They had studied together in the same school. After completing their higher education, both of them joined a company named ‘Apex Ltd.’ in different roles, based on their qualifications. Arjun’s role involved analysing the business environment and its implications for the survival of the firm. He was also responsible for the welfare and survival of the organisation. Neha, on the other hand, was heading the marketing department in the organisation. Her responsibility was to ensure that her department had the necessary personnel. In addition to many other responsibilities, she had to motivate them to achieve desired objectives.

Apart from the functions mentioned in the above case, state two more functions each for Arjun and Neha that they would perform at the level at which they are working.

Hint:

Arjun works at the top level and Neha at the middle level. Give two functions of each that are not already in the case, such as framing goals (top) and interpreting policies (middle).

Answer 1

Step 1: Find the levels of management:
Arjun analyses the business environment and looks after the welfare and survival of the whole organisation. These are tasks of the top level of management.
Neha heads the marketing department, makes sure it has the needed personnel and motivates them. These are tasks of the middle level of management.

Step 2: Two more functions of Arjun (top level):
1. He integrates different elements and coordinates the activities of the various departments. This is done in line with the overall objectives of the organisation, so that the whole firm moves in one direction.
2. He formulates the overall goals and strategies of the organisation and the ways to achieve them. Top managers decide what the firm wants to be and how it will get there.

Step 3: Two more functions of Neha (middle level):
1. She interprets the policies framed by the top management. She explains to the first line managers and workers what the policy means and how it is to be used in her department.
2. She assigns duties and responsibilities to the personnel of her department. Each person then knows what to do and for whom.
(Other correct choices for Neha: cooperating with other departments; being responsible for the activities of first line managers; implementing and controlling plans of the top management.)

Final Answer:
Arjun (top level): coordinates the departments, and formulates overall goals and strategies. Neha (middle level): interprets top management policies, and assigns duties and responsibilities in her department.