Lewis and Lewis, P.C. :: Accounting Firms Business Analysis Essays

Lewis and Lewis, P.C.Lewis & Lewis, P.C. is a small, Jackson-based accounting firm thatemploys thirty-five people and was put ined by Phil Willis in 1968. It exhibitsmany interesting aspects of organizational behavior, which we will examine belowfrom several perspectives. After examining the companys current policies andpractices, we will evaluate its status in the passage from the old to thenew model of organization, and recommend some changes that may improve the wayLewis & Lewis operates.From a Strategic PerspectivePhysical DescriptionLewis & Lewis, P.C. is located in a quiet suburb of Jackson, Michigan.It is a forty-five minute drive from Lansing. The two-storied building is builton a slightly elevated hill with grand parking lots in the back and to oneside. The outer walls are of a pleasant beige brick which is in keeping withthe calm atmosphere of the fellowship and of the landscape. Right in front ofthe building there are columns and the large main entrance is toward the r earoff the parking lot.The appearance of the building is well harmonized with the surroundings.However, it gives guests the impression of dignity and openness.Directly inside the main entrance to Lewis & Lewis is a small butwelcoming lobby, with a natural stone floor, chic but difficult to walk on inheels. There is a narrow open closet for guests to hang their coats, and severalchairs arranged around a table on which are placed the company newsletter andother publications. The receptionists desk is facing the entrance door, andbehind it sits a friendly young woman. The partners state of affairss are found againstthe two farthest external walls, noticeably removed from the rest of office.The other external walls are lined with the offices of the professionals, withlarge windows overlooking the pleasant exterior. The remainder of the officespace is segmented with partitioning walls, forming a sort of cubicle labyrinth.In the center of this maze is a small kitchen where employees ga ther andconverse informally. Adjacent to the kitchen is a small work area with copymachines and office supplies. In a corner of this floor is a set of uninvitingsta irs leading to the ground level, where the convocation room is located. Theconference room itself is spacious and handsomely decorated, with a large tableand comfortable chairs, a video center with television and VCR. The seating is modified to fourteen people.Task and Job DescriptionTasks are distributed on the basis of specialization auditing, tax,government and consulting. Very few tasks are performed by routine for each one daymay include new procedures for each employee.