Management and Managing comp 3 (7)

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Management and Managing: an introduction Contents Iacocca – An Autobiography by Lee Iacocca .................................................................................. 1 Central theme ................................................................................................................................... 1 Main argument ................................................................................................................................. 1 Relationship between the manager and the employee ..................................................................... 1 Organization portrayed .................................................................................................................... 1 Director chosen to include or leave out ........................................................................................... 2 Satire or comedy .............................................................................................................................. 2 Suggestion ........................................................................................................................................ 2 Strengths and weaknesses ................................................................................................................ 2 Comment .......................................................................................................................................... 3 Analysis ........................................................................................................................................... 3 Conclusion ....................................................................................................................................... 3 References: ...................................................................................................................................... 3 Iacocca – An Autobiography by Lee Iacocca Central theme "Iacocca - An Autobiography" is a memoir by Lee Iacocca, a former American automobile executive. The book chronicles Iacocca's life and career, from his childhood to his rise in the automotive industry and eventual leadership roles at Ford and Chrysler. The central theme of the book is Iacocca's journey as a business leader, highlighting his successes, challenges, and leadership philosophy. It covers various aspects of his life, including his family, education, work at Ford, rescue of Chrysler from bankruptcy, and his perspective on the American auto industry and corporate America. It provides insights into Iacocca's personal and professional experiences, as well as his management style and decision-making strategies. Main argument The main argument/topic in "Iacocca - An Autobiography" is Lee Iacocca's belief in the importance of strong leadership, vision, and innovation in the business world. He argues that effective leadership, combined with strategic planning and bold decision-making, can turn around struggling companies and drive them towards success. Iacocca shares his management

principles and reflects on his accomplishments and challenges in the automotive industry. The author presents his arguments with conviction and supports them with his experiences and achievements, making a case for his leadership philosophy. However, as with any autobiography, the validity of his assumptions and perspectives may be subjective and open to interpretation. Relationship between the manager and the employee In "Iacocca - An Autobiography," the relationship between the manager (Iacocca) and the employee is portrayed as critical to achieving business success. Iacocca emphasizes the importance of understanding and valuing the contributions of employees, treating them with respect, and creating a positive work environment. He highlights the need for effective communication, motivation, and teamwork to foster a productive and engaged workforce. However, there are also instances where Iacocca describes tough decisions he had to make as a manager, including layoffs and restructuring, which reflect a more challenging side of the manager-employee relationship. Overall, Iacocca's perspective on the relationship between the manager and the employee emphasizes the significance of leadership, empathy, and collaboration in achieving organizational goals. Organization portrayed In "Iacocca - An Autobiography," the portrayal of organizations, specifically Ford and Chrysler, is mixed. Ford is depicted positively, with Iacocca expressing admiration for the company's history and accomplishments during his time there. However, he also reflects on some challenges and conflicts he faced within the organization. On the other hand, Chrysler is portrayed as a struggling company in need of a turnaround, with Iacocca taking on the role of a savior through his leadership and management. He presents Chrysler as a company in crisis and highlights his efforts to save it from bankruptcy. Overall, the portrayal of organizations in the book is a mix of positive and negative aspects, reflecting the complexities of the business world. Director chosen to include or leave out As an autobiography, "Iacocca - An Autobiography" is a reflection of Lee Iacocca's personal perspective, and the topics he chooses to include or leave out may be based on his own experiences and priorities. The book covers Iacocca's childhood, education, career at Ford, and rescue of Chrysler, among other topics. However, some aspects of his personal life or business decisions may be omitted or glossed over. The topics chosen by Iacocca suggest his emphasis on his achievements, leadership principles, and business strategies, as well as his passion for the automotive industry and his desire to share his insights and experiences with readers. Satire or comedy " Iacocca - An Autobiography" does not employ satire or comedy to make fun of aspects of management, including scientific management. The book is primarily a serious memoir that focuses on Lee Iacocca's personal and professional experiences, leadership philosophy, and insights into the automotive industry. While Iacocca may share anecdotes and observations about his interactions with colleagues, employees, and business challenges, they are not presented in a

satirical or comedic tone. Instead, the book largely portrays Iacocca's approach to management as strategic, pragmatic, and results-driven, without resorting to satire or humor to critique management practices or theories. Suggestion In "Iacocca - An Autobiography," the organization and the manager, as portrayed by Lee Iacocca, are shown as interdependent and critical to each other's success. Iacocca emphasizes the need for a clear vision, strategic planning, and effective leadership to drive organizational success. He highlights the importance of decision-making, adaptability, and innovation in managing challenges and leading change. Iacocca also emphasizes the value of empathy, communication, and teamwork in fostering a positive work environment. The portrayal of a good manager in the book suggests someone who is visionary, strategic, decisive, adaptable, innovative, empathetic, and capable of leading and motivating a team towards achieving organizational goals. Strengths and weaknesses If one were to use "Iacocca - An Autobiography" as a guide, they may strive to be a manager who embodies strong leadership qualities, including vision, strategic planning, and decision- making skills. They may also prioritize empathy, communication, and teamwork in their management approach. However, like any manager, they may have strengths and weaknesses based on their individual personality, experiences, and leadership style. It would be important to recognize and address any weaknesses while leveraging their strengths to effectively manage their team and achieve organizational goals. Comment "Iacocca - An Autobiography" is relevant to the field of management as it provides insights into the leadership style and strategies of one of the most prominent business leaders of his time. Lee Iacocca's experiences and successes in turning around Chrysler from near bankruptcy to profitability, as well as his earlier career at Ford, offer valuable lessons in strategic planning, decision-making, innovation, and team management. The book also highlights the importance of empathy, communication, and adaptability in leading organizations through challenges. As such, it serves as a case study and a source of inspiration for managers and leaders seeking practical insights into effective leadership and management in the business world. Analysis One of the most significant parts of "Iacocca - An Autobiography" is the chapter in which Iacocca details his efforts to rescue Chrysler from bankruptcy in the early 1980s. He recounts the challenges he faced in convincing Congress to approve federal loan guarantees for the struggling automaker and his efforts to revamp the company's product line and streamline operations. Another important aspect of the book is Iacocca's reflections on leadership and management, including his emphasis on the importance of teamwork, accountability, and communication. His personal anecdotes and insights into the business world make this book a valuable read for anyone interested in leadership, entrepreneurship, and the auto industry.

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Conclusion In conclusion, "Iacocca - An Autobiography" offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and career of Lee Iacocca, one of the most influential figures in the history of the American auto industry. The book is filled with insightful anecdotes and reflections on leadership, business strategy, and the challenges of managing a large corporation. While some may criticize the book for its occasional self-promotion, it remains a valuable and engaging read for anyone interested in business, entrepreneurship, or the history of the American auto industry. Overall, "Iacocca - An Autobiography" is a must-read for anyone seeking to learn from one of the most successful and innovative leaders of the 20th century. References: Eisen, W. B., Ferguson, B. L., German, R. M., Iacocca, R., Lee, P. W., Madan, D., ... & Trudel, Y. (1998). Powder metal technologies and applications. Spector, B. (2014). Flawed from the “get-go”: Lee Iacocca and the origins of transformational leadership. Leadership , 10 (3), 361-379. Novak, W. (1984). Iacocca: An Autobiography (p. 352). New York: Bantam Books. Seeger, M. W. (1986). CEO performances Lee Iacocca and the case of Chrysler. Southern Speech Communication Journal , 52 (1), 52-68. Anastakis, D. (2007). The last automotive entrepreneur? Lee Iacocca saves Chrysler, 1978-1986. In Business History Conference. Business and Economic History On-line: Papers Presented at the BHC Annual Meeting (Vol. 5, p. 1). Business History Conference.

Management and Managing comp 3 (7)

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