Strategic Processing Styles/Strategic Pattern, Essay Example

Ungvari (1998) describes strategic processing styles as a result of the decisions one has to make in day to day life. These styles therefore define the behavior of the person or team making the decision. According to Ungvari, these styles are derived from the two main dimensions namely; mode and method. The two dimensions later form the four strategic styles that are known as the reactive stimulator, logical processor, hypothetical analyzer and relational innovator. Each personality is seen to be capable of making use of all the above mentioned strategies but the method that has proved to work is the use of one or two styles.

In this case, the two strategic styles on discussion are logical processor and hypothetical analyzer. A logical processor is seen to have the ability to argue in accordance with rules and to provide detailed and orderly results. This therefore makes him to be stable in his decision due to the assurance that the information processed is properly looked into.  A hypothetical analyzer on the other hand has the ability to look into problems with care taking into consideration factors involved before settling on the final decision. This act of examining or studying the problem enables him to find problem-solving interesting.

Being a supervisor in charge of booking appointments for patients, releasing of information, maintaining all medical records and in charge of a customer service oriented field in medical administration, makes it easy to use the two strategies  listed above. A logical processor would definitely find it easy to maintain records due to their nature of being organized and the fact that they are methodical. In the same way, a hypothetical analyzer could use his analytical skills on deciding which patient needs more time with the doctor or even deciding what could improve the services offered to the customers.

Strategic styles are then used to form strategic patterns that are divided into; changers, performers, perfectors and conservators. In the case scenario, the combination of the two styles make a conservator but the person involved feels to be fitting more in the performer pattern. The performer seeks to achieve concrete results. Looking closely at the above styles and pattern, communication would work differently depending with the situation at hand. For instance, the ability to influence others appealing to reason and logic would work perfectly while influencing others appealing to feelings is the direct opposite. This therefore implies that communication would vary depending with whether logic or sensitiveness was used.

Bradford (2008) explains how important it is for employees to comprehend the strategy the employer intends to employ such that it will enable them to make informed decisions that go inline with the desired goal. However, these strategic styles are seen to have a very low record on interaction with other people in terms of idea-sharing in the provided table. Logical processor and hypothetical analyzer therefore have a negative effect in communication at work. Performer pattern is made up of reactive stimulation and logical processor. It is therefore seen to be very effective in decision making and average in connecting with others.

According to Harris (1998), decision making is a process that needs planning if the parties are expecting optimum results. He states that planning is a technique used to simplify decisions. Going back to the strategic styles, a logical processor has to be well organized and reasoned. This reasoning will have to be accompanied by adequate planning which will make a logical processor have good effects on decision making. Hypothetical analyzer thus more or less the same because he will also need to take time to consider all the alternatives before he makes a decision. This is where the aspect of planning comes in hence better decision making overall.

Works Cited

Bradford, Robert W. 2008. Communicating your Strategic Plan with Employees. Retrieved on   September 13, 2009 from http://www.strategyletter.com/CD1103/feature.php

Harris, R. 1998. Decision Making Techniques. Retrieved on September 13, 2009 from http://www.virtualsalt.com/crebook6.htm

Ungvari, Steven F. 1998 “Engineering the New Product Development Cycle.” Visions. Vol. XXII No.3, Chicago, IL