Roles of manager
Roles of a Manager
Samhitha Kandlakunta
University of Dallas
Introduction:
The old school of management defines a manager as a person who performs the management functions of planning, organizing, coordinating, staffing and controlling. However, the role of a manager in the modern world is multifaceted and cannot be restricted strictly to the above mentioned functions. Mintzberg’s categorization of the roles of a manager under the heads of Interpersonal, Informational and Decisional provides a better understanding of what a manager does, today.
Interpersonal Role:
In this role a manager deals with people both inside and outside of the organization. Within this role are three distinct interpersonal roles, including figurehead, leader, and liaison. Going out for lunch with a supplier, attending an employee’s wedding and planning the retirement of a colleague are some examples of a manager’s role as a figurehead. A manager must represent leadership and guide his team towards achieving greater efficiency. A manager cannot force employees to be successful at their job, but he can always motivate them with fair treatment, proper incentives and adequate compensation. Conducting frequent one on one meetings with subordinates to discuss individual growth plans while ensuring that the organizational objectives are met displays an effective leader. Managers must be the conduit between customers outside the organization, other business units within the organization, employees and upper management. As a strong liaison, a manager has to connect people with resources.
Informational Role:
In this role, the manager is responsible for collecting, gathering, sharing, and interpreting information both inside and outside the organization. Ensuring that information is shared in a timely manner and is not misconstrued as it moves through different communication channels is his responsibility as a monitor. As a disseminator,
Samhitha Kandlakunta
University of Dallas
Introduction:
The old school of management defines a manager as a person who performs the management functions of planning, organizing, coordinating, staffing and controlling. However, the role of a manager in the modern world is multifaceted and cannot be restricted strictly to the above mentioned functions. Mintzberg’s categorization of the roles of a manager under the heads of Interpersonal, Informational and Decisional provides a better understanding of what a manager does, today.
Interpersonal Role:
In this role a manager deals with people both inside and outside of the organization. Within this role are three distinct interpersonal roles, including figurehead, leader, and liaison. Going out for lunch with a supplier, attending an employee’s wedding and planning the retirement of a colleague are some examples of a manager’s role as a figurehead. A manager must represent leadership and guide his team towards achieving greater efficiency. A manager cannot force employees to be successful at their job, but he can always motivate them with fair treatment, proper incentives and adequate compensation. Conducting frequent one on one meetings with subordinates to discuss individual growth plans while ensuring that the organizational objectives are met displays an effective leader. Managers must be the conduit between customers outside the organization, other business units within the organization, employees and upper management. As a strong liaison, a manager has to connect people with resources.
Informational Role:
In this role, the manager is responsible for collecting, gathering, sharing, and interpreting information both inside and outside the organization. Ensuring that information is shared in a timely manner and is not misconstrued as it moves through different communication channels is his responsibility as a monitor. As a disseminator,
References: David A. Lax and James K. Sebenius (1986). The Manager as Negotiator. New York: The Free Press Robert N. Lussier (2015). Management Fundamentals: Concepts, Applications, & Skill Development. USA: Sage Publications Inc. http://www.managementstudyguide.com/role-of-managers-in-interpersonal-relationship.htm http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/management-roles.htm