Organizational Culture And The Lincoln Electric Company

ORGANISATIONAL CULTURE AND THE LINCOLN ELECTRIC COMPANY The success of a business is intimately tied to the success of its culture. To understand better how organisational culture is created and maintained we will examine one of America’s most successfully managed companies, the Lincoln Electric company. We will examine many aspects of the company that contribute to its culture, such as the influence of the company’s founders, the golden rule, the incentive management plan, the performance appraisal system, the merit pay plan, the bonus plan, the way people communicate within the company and the management style. In analysing these we will reveal a strong people oriented culture formed and maintained for over a century. Lincoln Electric†¦show more content†¦Consequently, there has never been an attempt at unionising within the company and this is partly due to there not being a need. When workers are not being exploited, there is no need for them to fight back. James Lincoln was the son of a congregational minister and his Christian values were a guiding principle in his managerial decisions. When viewing his employee policies, we can see the golden rule at work. The needs of employees at every level are thoughtfully considered and aligned with the needs of the company. More than that, the customer is also given great consideration and the creation of products with real value is given providence over marketing or advertising. There is a genuine commitment to creating real worth rather than short term profits. James treats both the customers and the employees with respect and dignity, creating a culture is that is people oriented. The only people involved in the business that are not see as important are the shareholders. They are not actively involved in the business and their interests are therefore seen as the least important. This attitude may have protected Lincoln from a gradual change toward a more aggressive or sales oriented culture . Lincoln’s incentive management plan is not only exemplary in its structure, but also in its implementation. For example, piece work has been shown to increase worker productivity, but has also been widely abused as a means of rewarding workers less for the work Organizational Culture And The Lincoln Electric Company ORGANISATIONAL CULTURE AND THE LINCOLN ELECTRIC COMPANY The success of a business is intimately tied to the success of its culture. To understand better how organisational culture is created and maintained we will examine one of America’s most successfully managed companies, the Lincoln Electric company. We will examine many aspects of the company that contribute to its culture, such as the influence of the company’s founders, the golden rule, the incentive management plan, the performance appraisal system, the merit pay plan, the bonus plan, the way people communicate in the company and the management style. In analysing these we hope to understand not only what the culture of Lincoln Electric is, but also how it was formed and how it is maintained. Lincoln Electric was formed in 1895 by John Lincoln and was later taken over by his younger brother James Lincoln in 1914. While the inventions of John created the patents that formed the basis of the company’s profitability, it was James that in many ways founded the culture of Lincoln electric that still flourishes today. James saw the customer’s need as the primary reason for the company’s existence. He also saw that for a company to achieve its primary need it must do so via the productivity and performance of its employees. Seeing the employees as central to success has played a huge part in the formation of the culture of Lincoln Electric. There has never been an attempt at unionising in the company and this is partlyShow MoreRelatedOrganizational Culture Of The Lincoln Electric Company1107 Words   |  5 PagesThe Culture of a Company, or the Organizational Culture like it is mentioned in Principles of Management, has gotten a new dimension for me in term s of importance to assure the success of a company. This Organizational Culture is based on a series of values that are defined and established by the founder of a company for instance, which has a deep relation with his ethics and moral values. Therefore, the first factor to outline would be what the culture of a company shows, that can describe alreadyRead MoreOrganizational Culture Of The Lincoln Electric Company1439 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction The Lincoln Electric Company is the world’s largest manufacturer of welding machines and electrons. Lincoln employs 2,400 workers in two U.S. factories near Cleveland, OH and approximately 600 in three factories located in other countries. (The Lincoln Electric Company p. 1.) The main focus of this paper is to analyze the organizational culture of this company, by doing so, I will point out the different features, the rules and norms, beliefs and philosophies and the systems implementedRead MoreThe Organizational Culture Of The Lincoln Electric Company1035 Words   |  5 Pagesthe story of Lincoln Electric Company I’ve come to the Conclusion that their organizational culture they practicing is People-oriented culture. Because the company values fairness, supportiveness and they respect individual rights. There is a greater emphasis on expectation of treating people with respect and dignity. All the founders of the company had a great deal of continues influence on the positioning of the company today, form John C. Lincoln to James F. Lincoln. John C. Lincoln started itRead MoreOrganizational Culture At Lincoln Electric Company Essay957 Words   |  4 PagesOrganizational Culture at Lincoln Electric The Lincoln Electric Company, a manufacturer of welding equipment and supplies, was founded in 1895 by John C. Lincoln as a manufacturer of electric motors. In the early years of the 20th century, James F. Lincoln joined his brother’s company and by 1914 replaced John as the company head, allowing the latter to concentrate his efforts on scientific investigations. In those early years, James F. Lincoln implemented a number of programs and initiatives withRead MoreThe Organizational Culture Of The Lincoln Electric Company1016 Words   |  5 PagesThe Organizational Culture of the Lincoln Electric Company The Lincoln Electric Company is one of the largest manufacturers of welding machines and electrodes in the world. With about 2,400 employees in the USA and near 600 workers in other countries. The Lincoln management plan is well known for accomplishing the highest worker productivity. His founder Mr. James F. Lincoln died in 1965, leaving a profitable and reliable company. As a president of the business, he invigorated a committee that wasRead MoreThe Impact Of Organizational Culture On The Lincoln Electric Company892 Words   |  4 PagesThrough my reading about LINCOLN ELECTRIC COMPANY I can see that organizational culture played an important important role in success of this company. All main elements that form Oranizational culture represented in THE LINCOLN ELECTRIC COMPANY, that what made this company prospered and thrived in its activity through the applying The P-O-L-C Framework effectively. I can discern the aspects of influence of oraganizational culture in manging this co mpany towards higher levels in output through theRead MoreOrganizational Culture And The Lincoln Electric Company1303 Words   |  6 PagesORGANISATIONAL CULTURE AND THE LINCOLN ELECTRIC COMPANY The success of a business is intimately tied to the success of its culture. To understand better how organisational culture is created and maintained we will examine one of America’s most successfully managed companies, the Lincoln Electric company. We will examine many aspects of the company that contribute to its culture, such as the influence of the company’s founders, the golden rule, the incentive management plan, the performance appraisalRead MoreAnalysis Of Lincoln Electric Company Of Cleveland Ohio Usa S Organizational Culture877 Words   |  4 PagesLincoln Electric Company of Cleveland Ohio USA`s organizational Culture is exceptional and has earned it the acolade of being the best managed manufacturing company in the whole world. I will explore and attempt to identify culture aspects of Lincoln Electric from several issues such as; the continuing influence of founders of the company, the golden rule, the incentive management plan,the performance appraisal system, how people communicate in the organization, the merit pay plan, the bonus planRead MoreThe Legacy Of The Lincoln Electric Company Essay718 Words   |  3 PagesThe Lincoln Electric Company proves that the right mix of â€Å"organizational culture styles† can achieve profitable business growth over the long haul. The continuing influence, employee benefits/incentives, and management styles initiated by company founder John C. Lincoln and James F. Lincoln have built a profitable business for shareholders and employees alike. Let’s, look at Mr. Author Sharplins Harvard Case study and The Lincoln Electric Company webpage to further delineate the styles of organizationalRead MoreLincoln Electric Company s Impact On Corporate Culture905 Words   |  4 Pagesvalue†; as found within Lincoln Electrics’ Vision Statement (Lincoln Electric 1999-2016). The beliefs and values transferred from company founders and instilled into employees can have an overwhelming impact on corporate culture. By establishing a positive corporate culture one can influence exceptional company performance. This is clearly demonstrated by Lincoln Electric Company, from its early days until its present day. I will present how the Lincoln Electric Company has done just that! Before

Children of Divorce Free Essays

Statistics show that each year, over 1 million American children suffer the decision made by their parents to end their relationship (Amato, 2001). Divorce may be a solution to a discordant marriage, however, for many children and their parents, tensions continue and the entire divorce process is a long, searing experience (Amato, 2001). Divorce ends the established order of family, friends, finances, work and in some cases health and well being (Amato, 2001). We will write a custom essay sample on Children of Divorce or any similar topic only for you Order Now Divorce is the termination of the family unit, and thus, it is often characterized by painful losses. Psychologists rate divorce as one of the most stressful events in life, just below the death of a spouse (Pedro-Carroll Cowen, 1985). Divorce has been compared to getting in a life boat. The lifeboat may be the chance to escape from the terrible situation, but abandoning the ship holds little appeal because of the enormous uncertainties (Pedro-Carroll Cowen, 1985). To a child who is unable to envision possible good outcomes this can be very overwhelming. Decisions to end a relationship can be traumatic, chaotic, and filled with contradictory emotions (Amato, 2001). Research shows that children from divorce families are on â€Å"average† somewhat worse off than children who have lived in intact families (Amato, 2001). Children in divorce homes may have more difficulty in school, more behavior problems, more negative self-concepts, more problems with peers and more trouble getting along with their parents (Amato, 2001). With this research there needs to be an examination of what factors in divorcing families contribute to the children having difficulties and what the factors are that contribute to children’s adaptation. Children’s reactions to the decision of their parents dissolution of marriage depends on three factors (Sarrazin Cyr, 2007). These factors consist of the quality of their relationship with each of their parents before the separation, the intensity and duration of the parental conflict, and the parents’ ability to focus on the needs of the children (Sarrazin Cyr, 2007). Divorce itself is usually not the first major change in the affected child’s life. Parental conflict before the separation often leads to internalizing and externalizing behavior problems, even in preschoolers (Sarrazin Cyr, 2007). Children may â€Å"blame themselves for the deterioration in their parent’s relationship† (Downs, Moore, McFadden, 2009). After the divorce children may feel that their parents have less time for them (Downs, Moore, McFadden, 2009). Other contributing factors include increased stress, economic loss, and loss of former supports and resources (Downs, et al. , 2009). When risks are reduced or overcome children will fare better. It is important for parents to be able to support their children through divorce. Sanders and Wolchik (2011) have identified the following actions parents can do to enhance a child’s adjustment to divorce: * Prior to the separation, it may be helpful for both parents to discuss the impending divorce at a level appropriate for the child * Be available to answer questions; Read age appropriate books on divorce with your child * Reassure the child divorce is not his or her fault and let the child know that you will both continue to love him. Put child’s needs first * Do not argue with other parent in front of child. * Do not expect your child to meet your emotional needs * Be consistent in your parenting; Make visitations regular and predictable Parents who are struggling themselves through the divorce may fail to be aware of these enhancements. The Wisconsin court system, when filing for divorce requires parents to attend a co-parenting class. Wisconsin has seen success in utilizing this requirement for divorcing parents with children, it often assists in the mediation process and serves as a wake-up call to parents who are not fully aware of the effects that divorce has on their children. These co-parenting classes are ways in which parents can develop effect ways to assist their children from having adverse affects from the divorce proceeds and receive supportive information of where they can receive additional help. Parents who lack the ability to support their children through this difficult situation because of their lack of parental competence or poor adjustment to the situation may have to depend on outside interventions for assisting in this process. Given that divorce has negative effects for children, the utilization of effective prevention programs has great significance in changing the outcomes of these children (Sander Wolchik, 2011). Children of Divorce Intervention Program (CODIP) is an award winning curriculum that has helped thousands of children in the US. Since 1982 CODIP has helped children understand and accept their feelings and perceptions regarding their parents’ separation (Pedro-Carroll Cowen, 1985). The goals of the program is to minimize the emotional and behavioral problems that divorce children face, increase children’s ability to identify and express their feelings, reduce children’s anxiety, and build confidence (Pedro-Carroll, Cowen, 1985). Individuals involved in this program have positive, supportive group environments with peers in school settings, a reduced desire to blame themselves, increase their coping skills and ability to solve problems, and have enhanced positive perceptions of themselves (Lowenstein, 2006). School personnel, community members, or parents can refer children to the program. Group leaders trained in this method will conduct group sessions that target different age ranges giving the correct information and skill-building activities (Lowenstein, 2006). Children may also be referred to therapy to help them adjust to divorce. Activities that are creative and play-based can engage children and help them safely express their thoughts and feelings. Therapy can take on the form of child-focused, residential parent-focused, nonresidential parent-focused and combined residential parent and child-focused therapy (Sanders Wolchik, 2011). Child-focused programs target skills to cope with stressful divorce-related events, emotional expression skills, and interpersonal resources (e. g. parent-child relationship quality) (Sanders Wolchik, 2011). Parent-focused programs target factors like parent-child relationship quality, discipline, anger management, and the quality and quantity of contact with nonresidential parents (Sanders Wolchik, 2011). There is no evidence that doing a combination of child-focused programs and parent-focused programs leads to more success than doing one (Sanders Wolchik, 2011). In order for therapy services to effect ively treat children of divorce, a number of key issues need to be addressed. Therapy needs to address developing effective coping skills, facilitating the appropriate expression of feelings, clarifying divorce-related misconceptions, expressing anger through appropriate outlets, disengaging from parental conflict, eliminating self blame, and enhancing positive perceptions of self (Lowenstein, 2006). Studies indicate that active coping that includes problem solving and positive thinking enhances resilience among children (Lowenstein, 2006). Interventions that help children identify their unique strengths further acilitate children’s healthy adjustment (Lowenstein, 2006). Helping children express feelings of anger about the divorce through appropriate outlets is another important treatment goal. When parental conflict has been high prior to divorce and continues after divorce an effective intervention needs to involve an integrated family therapy approach (Amato, 2001). This therapy approach will assist children from disengaging from parental conflict. M any therapeutic agencies in Milwaukee are embracing therapy that is more engaging, innovative, and immersed in play to assist children of divorce. The decision to divorce is a decision being made for the children, they have no voice. Parents make the decision and children react. The court system has taken a step in the right direction by requiring parents to take a co-parenting class. Parents struggling through their own issues and fear with this change in their life often times are incapable of supporting their children the way they need. It is important that through the pain or anger parents have over their marriage ending that they see things through their child’s eyes. References Amato, P. (2001) Children of divorce in the 1990s:An update of the Amato and Keith (1991) meta analysis. Journal of Family Psychology, 15, 355-70. Downs, S., Moore, E., McFadden, E. (2009). Child Welfare and Family Services; Policies and Practice, 8th edition. Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon. Lebow, J. Rekart, K. (2006) Integrated family therapy for high-conflict divorce with disputes over child custody and visitation. Family Process, 46, 79-91 Lowenstein, L. (2006). Creative Interventions for Children of Divorce. Toronto: Champion Press. Pedro-Carroll, J.L. Cowen, E.L. (1985). The Children of Divorce Intervention Program: An investigation of the efficacy of a school-based prevention program. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 53(5), 603-611. Sander, I. Wolchik, S. (2011) Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development. Sarrazin, J. Cyr, F. (2007) Parental conflicts and their damaging effects on children. Journal of Divorce and Remarriage, 47, 77-93. How to cite Children of Divorce, Papers

The Middle East, Byzantium, and East Asia free essay sample

There were many similarities and differences between Byzantium and the Middle East and East Asia. Both regions were based on religions that were founded by prophets, but Byzantium and the Middle East had religions that were monotheistic, and East Asia did not. They also differed in the fact that the Middle East and Byzantium focused on academic development, and East Asia focused on military development, but were similar because both developed new ways to use projectile weapons. Both East Asia and the Middle East and Byzantium were similar in their use and development of projectile weapons. The Byzantine Empire developed a very powerful, projectile weapon called Greek fire. It was mainly used in naval warfare, and essentially could burn while floating on water for very extensive periods of time. This weapon was exclusive to the Byzantine people and has been lost with them. Gunpowder was also first developed in China. Gunpowder could be used to fuel the first guns, which while simple at the time, were deadly to the rest of the world. We will write a custom essay sample on The Middle East, Byzantium, and East Asia or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page This idea spread through trade to the Islamic people, and later the rest of the world, transforming warfare for the rest of time. There were also differences in intellectual development between Byzantium and Mesopotamia and East Asia. For one, Byzantium was more academically advanced, while East Asia was more militarily advanced. The Byzantine Empire focused much attention on architecture. The people there build enormous, beautiful buildings. One of the most famous was the Hagia Sophia. Rome also had many writers who wrote great works of history and poems. East Asia on the other hand was more focused out military advancements. China created gun powder, which was a huge help in stopping nomadic invasions because of the distance cannons could blow. Also steel and iron weapons were made which were very strong. East Asia was also responsible for the creation of the printing press, which made it possible to produce text very quickly and in large amounts, helping communication immensely. There were similarities between the religions of Middle East, Byzantium, and East Asia. The religions in the Middle East, Byzantium, and East Asia, Islam, Orthodox Christianity, and Buddhism, respectively, were all religions that were started by prophets; Islam by Mohammed, Christianity by Jesus Christ, and Buddhism by Siddhartha Gautama. Islam spread very rapidly throughout the Middle East. Islam was the fastest spreading religion during this period. Similarly, Buddhism spread rapidly from its birthplace of India to East Asian countries such as China, Japan, and Korea. In the Middle East and Byzantium, the religions being practiced were strictly monotheistic. In East Asia, they were not. The dominant religion in the Middle East was Islam, a monotheistic faith revealed through the prophet Muhammad. In Byzantium, Christianity, another monotheistic religion, dominated the region. However, in East Asia, there was no monotheistic religion. Instead, the people in this area practiced Confucian traditions and Buddhist customs.

Support For A Dna Data Bank Essays - DNA, Molecular Biology

support for a dna data bank A DNA Bank Is Good For All Imagine that a convicted child molester is released from jail and that he is now traveling around the country looking for work. One day this criminal returns to his old ways and he attacks a young child whose dead body is found in a deserted field the following day. The only trace of evidence at the crime scene is a semen specimen on the boys clothes. Now this specimen could be useful if the police tracked down, and arrested the suspect, and then took a blood sample of his that matched the crime scene specimen. But, since no other clues are found this criminal was never arrested and for the next couple years he repeated this act many more times. It is a shame that innocent children had to die because of this sick man, and most people would agree criminals like this should be stopped at any cost. Now just think what would have happened had their been a DNA data bank that contained this man To understand why a DNA data bank is necessary it is important to know exactly what DNA is. Firstly, there are cells which makes up all organisms and inside these cells are chromosomes. Chromosomes, which are made up of DNA, contain all the hereditary information that an individual has. Now this DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) which makes up these chromosomes simply contains the blueprints of the organism. It is DNA which determines what, where, and when to make a certain protein, and it basically is the storage center for information in almost all creatures. This knowledge of DNA is important because now it is possible to show the correlation between DNA and forensic technology. There are many reasons why DNA is such a useful tool for law enforcement. One important feature of DNA, relates to the fact that all individuals have unique DNA, is that each cell in an organism has identical DNA. Whether it is found in in skin cells, hair cells, semen cells, or blood cells the DNA found in one cell is identical to the DNA found in all other cells in the body Another extremely crucial characteristic of DNA is that everyone has their own unique DNA. Since humans in general are basically alike in that we all have legs, arms, hearts brain it is obvious that most DNA is identical. The key though to identifying individuals through DNA is not through the strands of DNA that have a known function, rather it is the DNA that has no known function. Inside these strands of DNA with no known function, called Junk DNA, are different repetitive DNA patterns which are unique from person to person. This is why DNA can always, be traced back to one person (with the exception of identical twins). There are two tests for analyzing DNA for forensic use, Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP), and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The RFLP test consists of taking a sample of body tissue which contains DNA. After locating the DNA thousands of different combinations of DNA repeats called Variable Number of Tandem Repeats (VNTR) are examined. These VNTR There are a great number of reasons to have a DNA data bank, but first it is important to accurately describe the requirements for this DNA data bank. Only convicted criminals would be entered into the bank. Also, only Junk DNA would be kept as data, DNA that contains no personal or hereditary information. One advantage to a data bank will be the quick access to information. Prosecutors are going to be able to match the DNA collected at a crime scene with DNA that has already been collected in the bank and this will allow them to apply for a warrant faster. Take the case of Jean Ann Broderick. In 1991 she was found murdered and raped in her Minnesota apartment. There were no witnesses or evidence that led to any one suspect. The only lead at the crime scene was a semen stain on the victim. Minnesota at this time was one of the few states that had and used a DNA data bank of convicted criminals, so the Minnesota authorities checked their sample DNA with the DNA data bank and found a match that linked the DNA with Martin Perez, a 37 year old illegal alien. After Perez was identified by the DNA, he was also identified by witnesses, who saw him at Jean Ann BroderickAnother advantage of having a DNA data bank is that it

Personal Trojan War experience essays

Personal Trojan War experience essays I can remember it like it was yesterday. I sat quietly in that huge horse, first thinking about how hot and crowded it was then questioning the reasons behind this battle. Wondering what I was doing going into this battle. Then suddenly my thought were interrupted by the movement of the horse. My heart began to race as I realized that I could not turn back now. At first the battle was very intense. Left and right the men came, they came to protect their king. It was if I had blinked and I looked around and saw hundreds of innocent dead people. Then I looked down and on my sword was the body of a young man and I was covered in his blood. This battle did not take long. Soon after we arrived we had killed hundreds of people not to forget we had killed the king of Troy. We were very pleased with our accomplishments. As we began to flee from the scene we set the city on fire. We attempted to flee the scene by the front gate, but it had been closed by the citizens at the beginning of the battle to prevent more people from coming. So we had to climb over the walls. After climbing the walls we ran for about a day to assure our safety. After that we slowed down and continued home. On the way there we encountered minor problems. Although these problems were small they set us back months in traveling. After six long years of traveling I finally returned home. It was the most wonderful feeling anyone could have felt. It has taken allot to get use to. My son has grown so much and I have missed so much in my families life while in Troy. Now, however, as I look back I am very happy that I am one of the lucky ones that made the journey home. ...

Marketing management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Marketing management - Essay Example According to a survey carried out by IBIS world, the profit margins of the industry will reduce by 1.5% over the next 5 years due to mounting competition among the providers. However, this has also led to the falling price of the phones. The company projects that UK mobile phone industry is expected to reach $3 Billion by the end of 2014. Furthermore, the development of new technologies such as, 4G services, the development of smart phones and the new applications, is also driving the industry (Adler, 2010). The UK mobile phone industry is characterised by high rates of market concentration and competition. Some of the key players of the industry are Vodafone, T-mobile, Virgin and O2 among others (Cohen, 2004). The industry will be analysed with the help of Porter’s five forces analysis and on the basis of that, a SWOT report will be prepared. The industry analysis is presented below: - Factor Analysis Resultant Bargaining Power of Buyers The bargaining power of buyers refers to the ability of the buyers to bargain and reduce the price. Reports have shown that the industry is growing at a robust rate and one of the reasons for this colossal growth is the enthusiasm among the buyers. However, due to the presence of a number of providers in the market, the buyers have the tendency to explore the other. This reduces the brand loyalty rate among the consumers. High Bargaining Power of Suppliers The bargaining power of suppliers refers to the ability of the suppliers to bargain and increase the manufacturing cost of the firm (Ferrell, 2006). The suppliers of raw materials for the mobile phone industry in UK is adequate in number and in most of the cases, these companies enter into a treaty with the suppliers which reduces their power to a great extent. Some of the key suppliers are Huawei and ZTE. Moderate Threat of New Entrant The threat of new entrant refers to the threat of a new player entering the industry, thereby increasing the level of competition. To start a telecom business in UK, one needs to go through a series of legal acts and moreover, acquiring spectrum rights is an apprehensive issue. Setting up of a telecom business also requires huge start up cost which often acts as a hindrance. Low Threat of Substitute The threat of substitutes refers to the extent to which substitute products can increase the competition within the industry and act as a potential threat to the firm. The substitutes of a mobile phone are tablets, land phones, palmtops and also, mini laptops to a certain extent, as it serves the core function of facilitating communication. These products are available throughout the country and in almost every outlet. However, due to the portable nature, mobile phone has its own set of customers. Moderate Threat of Competitors The threat of competitors is the level of competition within the industry. In the context of the mobile phone industry of UK, the industry is fiercely competitive due to the presence of a numbe r of players. Some of the established players of this industry are Vodafone, T-mobile, Virgin and O2, among others. High On the basis of the outcome of the industry analysis, following is the set of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for Blackberry in UK market. The same is illustrated below in SWOT analysis framework. Furthermore, the subsequent section will also prioritise the opportunities by considering certain

Business Research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Business Research - Essay Example NatWest traces its origin to the year 1968 when the National Provincial Bank merged with the Westminster Bank. NatWest has remained one of the â€Å"biggest four clearing banks† in the United Kingdom and it has opened over 1,600 branches and 3,400 automated teller machines across the UK (Jones, 2012, p.258). The bank currently has nearly 7.5 million customers and over 850,000 accounts specifically tailored for small businesses. It operates through a subsidiary bank known as Ulster Bank in the republic of Ireland. As per the year 2003 NatWest was a wholly owned subsidiary of the RBS. However, it has currently become the ultimate holding company of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group (RBS). Basing on this, it is evidently cleat that the shareholders, competitors and interest groups of RBS are directly linked to the National Westminster Bank. The government of the United Kingdom acquired majority of the shares of RBS in 2008 to become the majority shareholder of the bank. Currently, the UK government owns over 67% of the ordinary shares floated by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group in the stock market. OWNERSHIP Government Ownership of National Westminster Bank As already stated, NatWest is the main holding company of the Royal Bank of Scotland. ... The government went further to acquire B shares in December thus making the cumulative government ownership of the RBS Group to stand at 81.15 percent (Waller, 2000, p.31). Stephen Hester is the chief executive officer of the Royal Bank of Scotland, a company which by extension owns the National Westminster Bank. Since the majority of the shareholding comes from the government whose main source of income is the taxpayer’s money, it is also true to say that NatWest is a bank owned by the public (Steiner, 2000, p.18). UK Financial Investments Ltd (UKFI) was then charged with the mandate of overseeing the government’s investments in financial institution including Royal Bank of Scotland Group. In connection to the desire of promoting economic stability and healthy competition in the banking sector, the UK government has given UKFI the duty to manage the orderly but active disposing of government’s shareholding in some of these institutions. Norwich Union is a compos ite insurer and owns about 1.12 percent of the original shares of NatWest Bank. Before the â€Å"takeover† of the company by the Royal Bank of Scotland, the managers of this bank were in full support of the bid presented by the RBS. COMPETITION NatWest, which by extension refers to the Royal Bank of Scotland, faces competition from several banks that include HSBC, Credit Suisse Bank, Barclays Bank and Standard Chartered. About HSBC: It is ranked as the top most banks in the whole world. According to the financial statements of the bank released in the first quarter of 2011, this bank recorded the largest profit of 4,153 billion dollars. It highly trusted in emerging markets such as China. This factor