INSTRUMENTAL VALUE (ADMINISTRATION): CHARACTERISTICS, EXAMPLES - DUDAS - 2025

Instrumental value in administration refers to the things and ways of acting used to reach a certain end, after having established a certain number of objectives.

Likewise, it can also be said that the instrumental value is one of the main features of the administration, since this specific subject allows to achieve the objectives of an institution or individual efficiently.

In this sense, the instrumental value implies the participation of all departments and bodies, as well as the establishment of a specific objective that allows activities to be channeled accordingly.

It is worth mentioning that for some authors, this aspect can use a series of tools that are manifested in the execution process, such as the approach of general and specific objectives, and the use of the SWOT or SWOT matrix, which is extremely useful to decision making time.

characteristics

Some essential traits related to instrumental value are:

-It indicates that administration is a means to achieve objectives, therefore it is a purely practical discipline.

-It is an aspect that is applied at all levels and sublevels that a company or institution has. This means that the tasks are shared by all members, since a final goal is expected to be achieved.

-Allows the organization and planning of components for the execution of the projects that the company has launched.

-It is applied in social organizations, such as: churches, schools, governments, companies, associations, etc.

-Because it depends on the division of tasks, the company or institution uses the "organizational culture", which is comprised of the mission and vision, as well as the breakdown of the functions that both departments and people must fulfill that make it up.

Other features related to administration

-Universality: administration can be applied to all types of organization and association, whether public or private.

-Purpose: this discipline has a specific value that allows the fulfillment of the objectives, therefore it should not be confused with other specializations.

-Temporal: it requires planning and the fulfillment of phases that will require time and work together, since the strategies do not work in isolation. As a result, the continuous improvement process is also evident.

-Interdisciplinary: it can be related to other matters that involve management related to the efficiency of the work and functions.

-Flexibility: allows a margin for the improvement of processes in order to achieve the objectives set.

-Hierarchical: although the tasks and functions are divided by the different departments, it is necessary that each of them be headed by a person who will assume leadership and a higher level of responsibility.

Some techniques used to achieve objectives

The instrumental value indicates that the administration is practical, therefore, a series of tools that are used during the planning process and also for the achievement of objectives are named below:

Gantt diagram

It allows the monitoring of the tasks set in a certain period of time. According to specialists, this method is extremely useful, since it helps to visualize the stages that have been completed in the process, while controlling the expenses that may arise.

The usefulness of this instrument is such that it can be applied in different areas, such as, for example, to control the construction of a building, compliance with the programs established in an IT department or to control the activities and subjects that they have been carried out throughout the course in one class.

On the other hand, some specialists indicate that thanks to the Gantt chart, it is possible to plan simple processes and break down other more complex ones, since its platform is easy to implement.

Flowchart or flowchart

It is a graphic representation of the phases that are needed to complete a certain process. One of the most interesting aspects in this regard has to do with the fact that this tool allows to record events, phenomena and behaviors with a certain degree of detail.

The flow chart allows to know the structure of the processes at such a specific point that it allows the visualization of opportunities that the company can take advantage of in its favor.

In this case, it is recommended to put what are the main ideas and objectives in each phase, to have greater clarity.

SWOT matrix (also known as SWOT)

It is considered one of the most used planning methods today, since it clearly and concisely shows the negative and positive aspects of a company.

This tool considers internal and external aspects that can be analyzed at the beginning of a project or during it. In any case, all items should involve supervision, analysis, and feedback to encourage continuous improvement.

Examples

A spare parts sales establishment is installed in close to workshops and dealerships, which has an ATM, with a schedule where it opens at 9:00 am, until 6:00 pm (with two hours of lunch).

If the owner wants to improve the sales of that place, it is necessary to hire more staff and extend the hours of attention to meet the demand.

On the other hand, you may be able to improve the situation, even in the short term, since you are surrounded by potential customers who will require the sale of items constantly.

The sales department of a marketing company wants to improve their numbers, so they propose to make a number of changes to improve the numbers. In such a way that the boss raises a series of responsibilities that are recorded in a Gantt chart to visualize the progress and fulfillment of tasks.

Weekly, meetings will be held where progress is discussed and weak points that must be improved will be reviewed.

References

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