Organisations and Behaviour

Organisations and Behaviour

Organisations and Behaviour

Compare and contrast different organisational structures and cultures within the UK supermarkets industry.

The organisational structure in any business is important. To survive, all organisations have to be able to accomplish tasks and this requires carrying out certain duties. Structure splits the tasks of the whole organisation into smaller and more practical chunks, and allocates them to sections of the organisation that are held responsible for its completion. It also ensures that all the different sections are coordinated and controlled in a way which it has to achieve something.

Organisational culture is used to try and describe the experiences of people within the organisation. It usually describes their beliefs, habits, manners, self-image and they way tasks are undertaken. To current employees the culture within their organisation will go unnoticed.

Analyse the relationship between the organisation structure and culture of J Sainsbury PLC and how this affects the performance of business.

The UK retail segment has always been in the midst of controversial issues regarding company performance, international competition, price wars and change in strategy. Sainsbury is a well-known household name in retail segment. J Sainsbury plc the company that is at the heart of this discussion is the parent company of Sainsbury Supermarkets Ltd; on a more common note it is well known as Sainsbury's. J Sainsbury group also has additional ventures in the property and banking sector, although the revenue earner still remains the supermarkets. In the year 2000, J Sainsbury plc had undertaken a new venture in the DIY store chain but unfortunately had to sell it due to bad performance.

Sainsbury's today outlined plans for a new sales-led profit recovery, following a comprehensive review of its business. A second quarter trading update for the 16 weeks to 9th October 2004 is covered in a separate announcement.

Sainsbury's needs to go back to its strengths. With the increasing focus on diet, health and nutrition, championing basic everyday quality at appropriate and fair prices is just as relevant today and Sainsbury's is committed to restoring and delivering its unique customer proposition.

Analyse the factors that may influence individual behaviour of J Sainsbury PLC's Employees.

Sainsbury's has highly committed colleagues but morale is low. A number of initiatives have been put in place.

A new bonus scheme which rewards all colleagues on store standards and availability have been introduced to help to create a culture focused on stores and customers, particularly in central support services. Colleague suggestion and reward and recognition schemes have also been introduced.

The Holborn Business Centre will not be relocated following the Business Review as the potential savings do not make an attractive enough case given the potential disruption to the organisation.

The cost of central support services continues to be significantly above that of competitors despite a recent review which decreased the Holborn head count by over 20 per cent to circa 3000 full time equivalent colleagues. It is anticipated that around an additional 750 roles will be removed by March ...