Organization Commitment and Communication
Nordstrom, Inc.: Organization Commitment and Communication
Jennifer Morgan-McCane
COM 530
September 26, 2011
Mike Ballif
Nordstrom, Inc.: Organization Commitment and Communication
Leadership of an organization sets the tone for communication in and out of the organization. This paper will discuss leadership styles, bases of power and motivational theories as they pertain to Nordstrom, Inc. and other organizations.
Publius Syrus, wrote, “The greater a man is in power above others, the more he ought to excel them in virtue. None ought to govern who is not better than the governed.” Although this was written in the 1st century B.C., it has relevance in the world today. Nordstrom, Inc. is a company whose management embodies this philosophy in their day-to-day workings as well as the ownership of the company. The management structure is such that there is no Chief Executive Officer and the founders of the company own the same class stock as other shareholders with the same voting rights.
Leadership Styles
There are three basic leadership styles. Most leaders use a dominant style but may use other styles during periods of change. As situations change, leaders need to change leadership styles to insure the survival of the company or move through a difficult time. A recent example is the recession in the United States that began around 2008. Companies faced downsizing, declining sales and in some cases, ceased to exist. Retailers, like Nordstrom, Inc. have had to adjust to a new marketplace and be willing to make the changes needed to remain profitable.
The authoritative style of leadership, also known as autocratic, is a style where leaders provide their expectations of what needs to be done and how. The authoritarian leader typically makes his decision without input from the group. This type of leader is seen as bossy and controlling.
The democratic leader encourages and directs, but all policies are a matter of group discussion and decision. The leader
Jennifer Morgan-McCane
COM 530
September 26, 2011
Mike Ballif
Nordstrom, Inc.: Organization Commitment and Communication
Leadership of an organization sets the tone for communication in and out of the organization. This paper will discuss leadership styles, bases of power and motivational theories as they pertain to Nordstrom, Inc. and other organizations.
Publius Syrus, wrote, “The greater a man is in power above others, the more he ought to excel them in virtue. None ought to govern who is not better than the governed.” Although this was written in the 1st century B.C., it has relevance in the world today. Nordstrom, Inc. is a company whose management embodies this philosophy in their day-to-day workings as well as the ownership of the company. The management structure is such that there is no Chief Executive Officer and the founders of the company own the same class stock as other shareholders with the same voting rights.
Leadership Styles
There are three basic leadership styles. Most leaders use a dominant style but may use other styles during periods of change. As situations change, leaders need to change leadership styles to insure the survival of the company or move through a difficult time. A recent example is the recession in the United States that began around 2008. Companies faced downsizing, declining sales and in some cases, ceased to exist. Retailers, like Nordstrom, Inc. have had to adjust to a new marketplace and be willing to make the changes needed to remain profitable.
The authoritative style of leadership, also known as autocratic, is a style where leaders provide their expectations of what needs to be done and how. The authoritarian leader typically makes his decision without input from the group. This type of leader is seen as bossy and controlling.
The democratic leader encourages and directs, but all policies are a matter of group discussion and decision. The leader
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