Cost Vs Quality

We as people constantly face issues that cannot be solved. These issues can be found in our personal lives and in business. Instead of trying to find a solution, it is better to manage these issues by finding a balance. When an individual is experiencing two problems that are connected, they are considered to be polarities. These polarities will eventually feed off of one another and one can manage them to the point that they can benefit the person or business. If polarities do not receive good management, then the person will experience failure.

Polarities are values that go against each other and will eventually need one another in order to attain an objective. Polarities are commonly seen in everyday life and within organizations. Chandra Irvin states, that breathing is an example of a polarity due to inhaling and exhaling competes with each other and we are in need of both in order to maintain life (Irvin, 2008, p. 1). Within an organization many issues arise that are unsolvable and they begin to need one another, so the main purpose can be achieved. For example, cost and quality is something that companies constantly face. The company looks to reduce cost and at the same time produce either quality service or products.

Polarity management is about managing the issue instead of solving it; if one tries to solve polarities it only makes the situation worse. Great management can control polarities and the company is able to obtain benefits from both values. According to Margaret Seidler, "Polarity Management, at its finest, helps organizations get the best of both poles while minimizing downsides" (Seidler, p. 1).

A great example of Polarity Management is cost vs quality. Many organizations manage it by reducing costs and at the same time producing the best quality of service or product. The first pole in this polarity is cost; the cost is normally reduced by watching the price of manufacturing and overhead. Managers are in charge of watching these costs and finding cheaper ways to service customers or creating a product. The second pole is quality which is very important due to customers want a high-end service or product. While finding better ways to reduce the cost of manufacturing, they must ensure that the quality is exactly what the customer wants or the company can experience a loss of revenue. They are able to manage the quality by making sure a lot of care is put into the service or product. This is how the second pole should be managed.

Polarity Map

Market Director

1. Reduced Cost

2. Higher Demand

3. Profit Increase 1. Great Quality

2. Original

3. Ahead of Competitors

Cost