How Knowledge And Technology Relate To The Organizing Function Of Management At Circuit City

The organizing function of management deals with activities that result in the formal assignment of tasks and authority and a coordination of effort. Management staffs the work unit, trains employees, secures resources, and empowers the work group into a productive team. Organizing is the managerial function of arranging people and resources to work toward a goal. The purposes of organizing include but are not limited to determining the tasks to be performed in order to achieve objectives, dividing tasks into specific jobs, grouping jobs into departments, specifying reporting and authority relationships, delegating the authority necessary for task accomplishment, and allocating and deploying resources in a coordinated fashion.

These resources are what make an organization function as a single cohesive entity. Physical assets, monetary, human resources, knowledge and technology are prime examples of resources that help build upon the foundation of the organization. Knowledge and technology are two in particular that go more hand in hand during the organization processes of management of a company.

Circuit City is a prime example of an organization where knowledge and technology places a vital role within the functioning of management. Especially within the Information Age of which we are currently in, these resources combined help not only the employees of the company but for the customers who shop from our stores as well. As a Fortune 500 company, and one of the nation's leading providers of consumer electronics, Circuit City strives to offer value to investors, businesses and consumers (Circuit City, 2006).

When the company first opened its doors to the public back in 1949, it wanted to provide the community with a new technology that would change the face of consumer electronics forever. More than 50 years, over 600 stores and several name changes later, the technology continues to change, but Circuit City's commitment to customers remains strong (Circuit City, 2006). The technologies and solutions that the company provides, strive to make life easier and enjoyable for the community.

When it comes to the vast area of technology, that is mainly what Circuit City is about. The company is a frontrunner for bringing that technology to the community and that is a reason why customers come to Circuit City. They come to experience the new and upcoming products that arrive on the market and our store is that doorway for them to experience it. From the small gadgets and accessories to the larger merchandise such as computers, TVs, audio/video equipment, it is all available for easy access for the customer. The entire store has to be prepared with presenting the upcoming products to the community by displaying it or even setting the product up for demonstration use. So that when ready, the customer can try the product in ease and experience its uses. The organization has to also be able to staff and supply its stores with the proper technology so that employees can also use it if they have to.

An example of that would be in the department that I work in, PC Repair. My department is responsible for also performing analog to digital video conversions, such as; VHS to DVD or even older cassette tapes to CD.

Now Circuit City rarely even sells cassette tapes and recorders but people still use them occasionally. And so we need to be prepared for that because we offer the audio/video service to the community. So then it is management that is responsible at that point to supply the stores with the proper tools and equipment to do our jobs at an errorless rate.

Now because of the new technology that does enter the market now and then at a quick rate, the employees need the proper knowledge to able to use the product themselves so that they can show the customer how to handle