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Assessment of Flamholtz and Management Control Systems Essay

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1. Overall Strength: in general, the article provides structure to a concept that is very intangible by: (a) describing the nature and the functions of control; (b) segregating the MCS into categories: core control system, organizational structure, and organizational culture; (c) illustrating how to apply the control model (satisfied my approach) (d) provides a basis for designing and evaluating the system. The manner, in which the model is presented, with its use of figures, further emphasizes the structure of the model. See below on further emphasis on parts (a) -(c).
(a) Strength: (put something about the definition) One of the four functions of control is to motivate people to treat the organization’s goals as their own. Thus, …show more content…

This is reverse order is a better match with the schematic representation of MCS (Figure 1) as well as the pervasive impact culture and structure has on the core control system. This echoes Flamholtz’ statement that “culture is the starting point of designing the MCS”.
Conclusion: As such, the MCS should have been initially detailed using this reverse order for consistent presentation as well as acting as a catalyst to the planning subsystem of the core control system. In doing so, goals can be set in accordance to the company culture and structure. This enables management to influence the behaviour of more employees by providing clear goals. This makes for a better feedback system because it includes the information of the various departments/divisions and all levels of employment. This allows for attainable goals and prevents the imposition of unrealistic goals, MBO, and the likelihood of fraudulent reporting. To further prevent fraudulent reporting, the measurement subsystem should rely equally on the accounting system as well as non-financial measures (balanced score card).

2. Application of the Flamholtz’ model to “Birch Paper Company”
(a) Description of the Firm: Birch Paper Company is a medium-sized manufacturing organization, which produces white and kraft papers and paperboard. The firm has a successful decentralization policy which has increased company profits, improved Birch’s overall competitive

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