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<p> Marketing,procurement,finances and human resources of all branches to the main office which is located remotely in a different country?do you feel trapped under strik authority that you have to keep reporting to to get your branch's basic needs?does that affect the branch performance in your opinion?what message does that convey about such corporation which has over25 branches in different countries.</p>
If company decodes to centralize it then how can you help it go by this and see you do your part of duty and seek and give inputs and feedback about your deptt and ensure there is good liaison with the central officer and job is done and follow up is ensured.
The centralization of activities require the following immediate attention:
1. All the inventory need be re-ascertained (i.e stock taking) and reporting and get the confirmation thereof.
2.Staff requirements should be re-assessed and reported so as to adequately staffed considering present and future requirements. HR requirements should be planned in advance and the authorities and responsibilities of all staff members should be clearly defined and fixed so as to cover all office matters including leave, transfer, key holding, job roles, charge hands etc.
3.Minimum cash requirements should be assessed and reported to keep them as reserve for smooth day today functioning of the branch office. Daily sales proceeds need be immediately transferred the next day to the Head Office Account with appropriate sales reports as attachments.
4. Purchase orders need be fast tracked, so that sales should not be affected for want of stock. Increase in stock levels may be opted for if the time for reaching the stock at the premises consume more time.
5.If all the functions are integrated through a networking system, if that is possible may be recommended so the working and requirements are immediately reported for necessary actions at Head Office levels.
The centralization need not be a matter of concern, if confident that the stock requirements are met out appropriately. For marketing the existing infrastructure will be quite enough, but it would be better to have a performance appraisal of the branch for last three years, with sales forecast, HR forecast, Cash requirement forecast, Procurement/Purchase Budget etc. and get a confirmation of the budget after approval by the central team, so that the performance of the branch can be bench marked, so that all the function may be smooth forward. if the branches are situated nearby areas the inter branch transfers for stock can also be recommended.
Centralization of activities means: Efficiency and economy in operations except for the distance factor.
There is no guarantee, until and unless the centralized authority do not work equally for all.
And if such a situation arises, and as an employee, we have to cooperate and what else we can do.
But we can give suggestions to improve the functionality of centralized authority.
1- Strategic thinking
2- Common Understanding of objectives
3- Effective communication
4- Effective cooperation
If this decision is made, the following actions should be taken:
- Redefine internal processes and procedure
- Design internal SLA's to assure efficient coordination between your branch and main office including response time, escalation procedures, ....
- Define a reporting system between your branch and main office
- Train your people on the new development
- Assign one or more employees to be responsible for the coordination
I don't know if it is wise to take such a decision in a company that has so many branches in different countries (I assume with different environments, cultures, regulations,...).
Perhaps as a new recruit one would have to gain trust and confidence of the concerned by establishing examples by action and showing potentials. Thereafter take it further for discussions to convince how the organisation would benefit with your view point or get your doubts cleared to continue with a positive frame of mind for better productivity.
It may also be possible that the organisation has prioritized other areas for the need of the business for the branch manager rather than those which have been centralized.
Good Day!!!
Agreed to all ........ VOTE UP to the views of MR. Vrindavan
I am not aware of that I did not understand the question Sorry
Ensure that you have1 year stock of the centrally sourced resource/s then you will have the extra time to concentrate on what is under your autonomy.
Good management of staff through unity and transiparency. There must be coordination between the branch and the main centre in as far as compliance is concerned. Fulfillment of the policies of the main centre to maintain the effeciency of the company.
