Work systems in business can refer to information technology used to complete functions, or any task using technology. Companies use standard procedures and frameworks to outline processes, people, information, technologies, and end results. Management style and organizational structure can affect work systems, with centralized management limiting individual systems and decentralized management allowing autonomy. Managers review systems to ensure efficient use of resources. Companies can hire IT experts to evaluate technology.
In the business world, the term “work system” can have different meanings, depending on how companies define their operating environments. A classic definition of this term is information technology used by a business to complete business functions. With many companies now implementing information or business technology into all areas of their business operations, the definition of systems of work has grown to mean any specific task or function completed in a business that uses technology. Integrating information technology into normal business functions can enhance the company’s ability to streamline business operations and improve manufacturing efficiency and effectiveness.
Most companies develop systems of work using standard operating procedures or business structures. Such procedures and frameworks usually outline the system’s processes and activities, the people involved in operating in or around the system, the information gathered during the business function, the technologies used in the system, and the end result of the system’s work . This detailed planning function uses a strategic management process when creating and implementing systems of work.
The creation of a company’s work systems often refers to the management style and organizational structure of a company. Companies that use a centralized management style and a close-knit organizational structure can limit individual systems of work within the company. Centralized management often relies on one or a few people responsible for completing the specific business functions of the company. Smaller businesses often use a centralized management style for labor and control systems because the business owner is typically responsible for completing all or most business functions.
Companies that use a decentralized management style and open organizational structure usually allow people some autonomy to complete various job system functions within the company. Large public companies often have a decentralized management style, as the organization is too large for one individual to control all of the work systems involved in business operations. Large companies may choose to separate work systems into various business departments, such as an information system, manufacturing system, maintenance system, supply chain system, and sales department system. Separating the work system function into separate business departments can allow company executives to develop a review system to determine whether changes need to be made to improve these business operations.
Managers often review the system of work to ensure that the system is using economic resources and corporate resources as efficiently as possible in completing its functions. Companies can also hire people with specific education or experience related to information technology systems in business. These people are able to evaluate the business technology side of systems, while managers focus on the operations side.
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