Increased interest in trends has made the fashion industry one of the most influential in the world today. This essay will consider research and analysis of the fashion retail industry with regard to its management. In order to be particular and objective, Zara, one of the largest fashion retail companies in the world was chosen for analysis. This aided in the analysis of the company management, in relation to Mintzberg’s managerial role categories.
Managerial Roles
The three managerial roles, explained by Professor Henry Mintzberg can be applied to Zara, by reference to how they have applied in the company over the years. The first is an informational role. In this type of role, the management deals with the flow of information within the company. In Zara, the management has always ensured that information is adequately passed and presented between the relevant parties. The objective is achieved by the company monitoring all the changes that take place in the clothing industry. Although they are based in Spain, the company has its outlets in many countries of the world. For this reason, they have to keep track of changes that occur in tastes, preferences, fashion, as well as market prices which is done by means of internet monitoring, business seminars, and reports, etc. Such multilevel approach ensures the company always keeps up with time and reacts swiftly to new customer demands.
Apart from the collection of information, there is a need to ensure that the information is communicated to the right parties in a timely manner. In Zara, information is conveyed by means of reports and memos which inform company workers on the discoveries that have been made during monitoring and the decisions that are made in the managerial positions. Therefore, the mode of transferring information ensures that all the regulations and changes are followed by all the company workers. Lastly, company management is the voice of the company to the public communicating to the world on behalf of their workers.
Another managerial role is the interpersonal role, where the management carries out its exclusive duties, which portray them as the leaders of a larger group. In Zara, the managers act as the figureheads of the company. For example, when they have visitors in the company, it is members of the managerial team that welcome them. They are, also, the ones who attend ceremonies on behalf of the company. Additionally, the managers are to establish and maintain effective communication and interaction with senior company workers. In the fashion industry, it is wise to have diversity, in terms of innovation and new ideas. This is best achieved when the management relates with the senior workers. Over the years, Amancio Ortega has tried to foster a healthy relationship between company management and employees. Such corporate culture ensured the company gained success in the fashion industry.
Lastly, there is the decisional role, which involves making all the major decisions in a company. Zara has empowered some of its senior employees to make decisions at their levels. However, the approach does not include global company decisions. For example, Zara has been involved in several acquisitions. The decision on whether to, or not to, merge with other companies has always been taken by the management. It is also the responsibility of the management to negotiate favorable deals for the company. The fashion industry is dynamic and requires constant decision making. Therefore, the allocation of company resources is always different. It is the management to decide on the areas in which resource allocation will be done and ensure that t returns on investment are sufficiently high.
