Running head: GAP ANALYSIS: GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS

Gap Analysis: Global Communications
University of Phoenix

Gap Analysis: Global Communications This paper identifies the key issues faced with Global Communications’ declining marketability and competitive edge and revenue. In addition, as a result of its current state, this paper will discuss steps taken by the company to overcome their shortcomings and the reaction to the strategies implemented while also providing several alternative solutions in the end state vision.
Situation Analysis
Issue and Opportunity Identification By reviewing the Global Communication scenario, several issues were immediately identified. First and foremost, were the underlining symptoms of the declined market value of the company, thus leading to the decreasing stock value. From my experience with working in corporate arena, the decrease in market or stock value leads to pressure and concern being placed on the company’s stockholders and executives. There is a sense of urgency to identify the problems that lead to the change in the market value and the possible solutions. Secondly, being in the telecommunications industry, there are several competitor companies. So in an effort to keep their competitive edge, Global Communications was faced with the problem of determining how to keep up and compete against competitive companies. This in itself presented a conflict, because difficult decisions had to be made in regarding the overall marketability of the product being represented by the company and the overhead in producing and keeping up with supply and demand. Additionally, Global Communications had to face the difficulty of the newly implemented cutbacks of educational and health benefits and the backlash of the impending downsizing and outsourcing plans. Although this move is forecasted to save the company a lot of money and generate more revenue, the perception of taking away positions from the current employees and reallocating them to another region will result in a reduction in morale and hostility towards current and riffed employees. Despite those listed above, I [Avoid using I, we, and you in academic and professional writing. When you use personal pronouns that are not necessary, you focus attention on yourself, rather than your ideas. You want your ideas to come across as factual and authoritative, not personal.] think the most problematic issue within Global Communications is the poor communications within the company among the internal stakeholders. Global Communications faced the dilemma in deciding how to communicate the company’s new vision and how to get the backing of their employees.
Stakeholder Perspectives/Ethical Dilemmas The aforementioned section outlined the problems that Global Communications face and the necessity of them to act fast to resolve these issues quickly. The market value of the company is declining, the company is loosing its completive edge and the employees are loosing faith in the company. In effort to combat the issues, the executive committee decided that outsourcing the technological call centers to another geographical region, India and Ireland, would prove to be beneficial to their competitive edge and their cost reduction strategies. However, prior to their decision, no generic benchmarking was conducted and the executive committee failed to include a primary stakeholder, the Union –which represents the majority of its employees- in the preplanning and decision making process. As a result, the Union has threatened to initiate litigation in support of the employees it represents. This section should have identified the stakeholders and the ethical dilemma faced by each group. Also, supportive research is required from the readings.

End-State Vision As with anything, growth requires a great deal of trial, tribulation, and change. Change and evolution is what makes the world survive. Global Communication’s vision and aspiration to expand and increase their competitive edge is very crucial to their longevity and survival in the telecommunication’s market. However, in order for them to succeed, they need to take the necessary steps to ensure the rollout of their newly defined vision is first accepted and supported by their stakeholders. This is achievable by the company creating and implementing SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely Goals that could be communicated to their internal stakeholders, as well as to their targeted consumers. The ultimate solution for Global Communications would be to find a way to avoid potential lay offs while increasing their marketability and internal communications. If that is not possible, then the company should begin focusing on alternative measures. First, they could attempt to minimize the projected outsourcing project by filling the vacant positions with as many of the current impacted employees. Secondly, they could work towards providing advanced training for those employees desiring to work in other technological related areas within the company. By doing so, they can reposition current employees into those positions that are projected to be filed in India and Ireland. Thirdly, they could revamp and restrentghen internal communications. This will resolve current issues as well as eliminate any future potential communication breakdowns. By including their stakeholders in the decision making process, Global Communications will strengthen the bond and reestablish faith of their employees. Lastly, to increase their competitive edge and marketability, Global Communications could look at alternative products and services. Maybe, offer a new and fresh product or service that none of their competitors are offering or find a way to offer existing services at a reduced cost. This information would be more appropriate for the gap analysis. Put yourself into the future and imagine what Global Communications will have become if the problem is solved or the opportunity is realized. Create a short, compelling vision statement that reflects the desired end state considering the concepts and ideas from the course. Be sure to consider any ethical issues that might be present.

Sample End-State Vision It has been identified that Global Communication’s problems have been decreased profitability resulting in poor stock value, tensions between the company and the union, and a downward slide in market share due to a poor product. The management team believes they can become more effective by outsourcing call centers which will increase profit margins satisfying the employees and stock holders. Going forward, the corporation will use effective communication and a strategic program that incorporates and maintains its core ethical policies. “Effective communication is vital to all organizations because it coordinates employees, fulfills employee needs, supports knowledge management, and improves decision making.” (McShane & VonGlinow, 2005, p.47)

Gap Analysis Global Communication’s strive for growth and increased competitive edge is in line with the changing market and atmosphere. However, the challenges they face is how to keep up with the competitors, how to get their employees and targeted consumers to buy-in into their new conceptual ideals, while also facing the dilemma of cutbacks and outsourcing. Although the ideal of globalization seems ideal on paper, when you factor in the stigma of replacing a current employee with one, for a reduce pay, in another country, you risk the stigma that goes along with it. One of the key components needed for this new direction is open lines of communication. “Workforce communication has a significant effect on the organizational performance (McShane & Glinow, 2005). Without effective communication, Global Security will not be able to receive effective buy in from their current and projected employees nor their targeted consumer market.

Conclusion I learned in this project that many companies face the problems associated with the Global Communications’ issues, the need to maintain marketability and the fight with staying ahead of the game. In my research, I learned that many companies make the difficult decision in outsourcing and globalization in an effort to reduce cost and expand. However, many others refuse to outsource and are still able to remain competitive. For its continued existence, Global Communications needs to increase and strengthen their internal communications, find ways to reduce costs, support revitalization and growth, while also establishing strategies to prevent massive lay offs and further employee alienation. With the suggestions set forth in this paper, coupled with the SMART objectives, Global Communications is destined for continued success. A conclusion is one paragraph.

References McShane, S. L., & Von Glinow, M. (2004). Organizational behavior: Emerging realities for the workplace. New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies. Insufficient references

Table 1
Issue and Opportunity Identification
|Issue |Opportunity |Reference to Specific |Concept |
| | |Course Concept | |
| | |(Include citation) | |
|Decreased Market Value |Global Communication will | | |
| |look for ways to increase | | |
| |their market value | | |
|Potential layoffs and projected outsourcing |Global Communications will | | |
| |work to provide advanced | | |
| |training for current | | |
| |employees | | |
|Internal Communications. |Global Security needs to |“Workplace communication has |Communications |
| |restrentghen their lines of|a significant effect on | |
| |internal communications. |organizational performances” | |
| | |(McShane & Glinow, 2005) | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |

Table 2
Stakeholder Perspectives
|Stakeholder Perspectives |
| | |
|Stakeholder Groups |The Interests, Rights, and |
| |Values of Each Group |
|Current Employees |Job stability, morale and security |
|Union Representatives |Representation, support, and faith from the current employees they |
| |represent. |
|External Partners and Targeted Consumers |New services, dependability and affordability |

Table 3
End State Goals
|End-State Goals |
|Global Communications will work to renew the faith and support from employees by strengthening their lines of communication by involving |
|internal stakeholders in the decision making process. |
|Provide advance training opportunities provided to employees to increase their technological skills and abilities. |
|Identify cut costing measures to increase profitability. |
|Aim to provide alternative services and products to increase competitive edge. |
| |

|Content and Organization |Points Earned |Comments: |
|70 points | | |
| |57 | |
|All key elements of the assignment are covered in a | |Celena, good interpretation and analysis of the |
|substantive way. | |assignment. In order to improve on your paper use |
|Gap Analysis | |unethical examples from the reading to support your |
| | |stakeholder discussion and the possible outcomes. |
| | |These concepts should also be included within your |
| | |end-state vision. Review definition of end state |
| | |vision. See comments |
|The content is comprehensive, accurate, and /or persuasive. | | |
|The paper develops a central theme or idea, directed toward | | |
|the appropriate audience. | | |
|The paper links theory to relevant examples of current | |It is also important that you link relevant theories|
|experience and industry practice and uses the vocabulary of | |to your analysis. For example, there were |
|the theory correctly. | |opportunities to discuss EI, forms of ethics, social|
| | |responsibility, relationship management, etc. |
|Major points are stated clearly; are supported by specific | | |
|details, examples, or analysis; and are organized logically. | | |
|The introduction provides sufficient background on the topic | | |
|and previews major points. | | |
|The conclusion is logical, flows from the body of the paper, | | |
|and reviews the major points. | | |
| | | |
|Readability and Style |Points Earned |Comments: |
|15 Points | | |
| |9 | |
|Paragraph transitions are present and logical and maintain the| | |
|flow throughout the paper. | | |
|The tone is appropriate to the content and assignment. | |See comment |
|Sentences are complete, clear, and concise. | |See comments |
|Sentences are well-constructed, with consistently strong, | | |
|varied sentences. | | |
|Sentence transitions are present and maintain the flow of | | |
|thought. | | |
| | | |
|Mechanics |Points Earned |Comments: |
|15 points | | |
| |12 | |
|The paper, including the title page, reference page, tables, | | |
|and appendices, follow APA guidelines for format. | | |
|Citations of original works within the body of the paper | |A minimum of three references with corresponding |
|follow APA guidelines. | |in-text citations is required. Review in-text |
| | |citation format. |
|The paper is laid out with effective use of headings, font | |See comments |
|styles, and white space. | | |
|Rules of grammar, usage, and punctuation are followed. | | |
|Spelling is correct. | | |
| | | |
|Total 100 |Points Earned |Comments: |
|Points | | |
| |78 | |

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