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Principle Midterm ppt2

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Principle Midterm ppt2

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The Role of a Manager

A manager plays a critical role in business organizations, responsible for


overseeing and guiding the daily operations to ensure that the company
meets its objectives. Managers act as leaders, decision-makers, and
coordinators, ensuring that resources are effectively utilized to achieve
organizational goals. In this module, we will explore the definition, roles,
responsibilities, and examples of managers in business management.
Key Characteristics of a Manager:

 Decision-maker: Makes critical business decisions, including setting goals and


allocating resources.
 Leader: Motivates and inspires employees to achieve higher productivity and maintain
organizational standards.
 Problem-solver: Addresses issues within the organization and finds effective solutions.
 Communicator: Acts as a liaison between employees and upper management, ensuring
smooth information flow.
Example:
Consider a manager at a manufacturing plant. They coordinate the activities of production
workers, ensuring that products are manufactured according to schedule, that the team
follows safety regulations, and that costs remain within the allocated budget.
II. Levels of Managers

Managers can be categorized into different levels based on their responsibilities:

1. Top-Level Managers (e.g., CEO, President, General Manager)


§ Responsible for defining the company's overall strategy, vision, and long-term goals.
§ Example: The CEO of a tech company who sets goals for market expansion and oversees major
company decisions.

2. Middle-Level Managers (e.g., Department Heads, Division Managers)


§ Implement policies from top-level managers and oversee departments or divisions.
§ Example: A marketing manager ensures the company's branding strategy is executed and aligned with
the company's broader goals.

3. First-Line Managers (e.g., Supervisors, Team Leaders)


§ Directly supervise non-managerial employees and ensure daily activities are executed efficiently.
§ Example: A customer service supervisor manages a team of customer support agents, ensuring high
levels of customer satisfaction.
III. Managerial Roles

Henry Mintzberg, a renowned management expert,


categorized managerial roles into three main groups:
interpersonal roles, informational roles, and decisional
roles.

1. Interpersonal Roles

 Figurehead: Symbolic head of an organization,


performing ceremonial duties.

 Leader: Guides and motivates employees.

 Liaison: Acts as a bridge between different departments


and external entities.

Example: A manager representing the company at a trade


Henry Mintzberg
fair (figurehead) while coordinating with other teams to
meet project deadlines (liaison).
2. Informational Roles
 Monitor: Gathers and evaluates information.
 Disseminator: Communicates information to subordinates.
 Spokesperson: Represents the organization to external stakeholders.

Example: A manager collecting market data to inform marketing strategies


(monitor) and briefing the team about new market trends (disseminator).
3. Decisional Roles

 Entrepreneur: Initiates new projects or improvements.


 Disturbance Handler: Resolves conflicts or crises.
 Resource Allocator: Distributes resources like budget and manpower.
 Negotiator: Negotiates with stakeholders on behalf of the company.

Example: A manager who decides to launch a new product line


(entrepreneur) and handles a supplier dispute (negotiator).
IV. Functions of a Manager
A manager's primary tasks revolve around the four main functions of management:

1. Planning: Setting goals, defining strategies, and deciding on the actions required to achieve objectives.
Example: A restaurant manager creates a business plan to expand operations by opening two new
branches.
2. Organizing: Determining tasks, assigning them to individuals, and allocating resources.
Example: A manager at a logistics company assigns drivers to specific delivery routes and allocates
trucks based on order volume.
3. Leading: Guiding and motivating employees to achieve business goals.
Example: A team leader motivates a sales team by setting clear targets and recognizing high performers.
4. Controlling: Monitoring performance and making necessary adjustments to stay on track with goals.
Example: A factory manager reviews production reports and adjusts worker shifts to ensure daily targets
are met.
Types of Managers

1. Functional Managers

These managers are responsible for a specific function or department, such as marketing, finance, human
resources, or production. They focus on specialized tasks within their functional areas.

Example: The finance manager ensures the company's accounting records are accurate and complies with
regulations.

2. General Managers

Unlike functional managers, general managers oversee multiple functions or an entire business unit.
They have broader responsibilities and must integrate various departments to achieve overall goals.

Example: A general manager in a hotel oversees all operations, including front desk services, housekeeping,
and food services.
3. Project Managers

These managers are responsible for leading specific projects from start to finish. They plan, execute, and monitor project
progress while ensuring it meets the set objectives, deadlines, and budget.

Example: A project manager at a construction company ensures that the new building is completed according to client
specifications.

4. Team Managers
They lead a team of employees working on a particular task or set of tasks. Team managers focus on guiding and motivating
team members, managing workloads, and solving any issues that arise.

Example: A Customer Service Team Manager at a call center. This manager oversees a group of customer service
representatives, ensuring they handle customer inquiries effectively and maintain a high level of service.

5. Product Managers
Product managers oversee the development and lifecycle of a specific product. They are involved in planning, production,
and marketing efforts to ensure the product meets customer needs and business goals.

Example: A Software Product Manager for a mobile app development company. This manager is responsible for guiding the
development and launch of a new app feature.
VI. Difference Between a Manager and an Entrepreneur

While managers and entrepreneurs share many common traits, they serve different roles in a business.

Manager Entrepreneur

Focuses on managing and improving existing processes within a


Initiates and runs new ventures or businesses.
business.

Operates within established frameworks and procedures. Innovates and creates new products or services.

Relies on organizational resources. Uses personal or external resources to fund ventures.


VII. Example Case Study: Managing a Coffee Shop
Situation: You are a manager of a small coffee shop with five employees. Recently, the
number of customers has decreased, and you need to find a way to improve business.
How You Can Apply Management Principles:
 Planning: You could plan to introduce a new product, such as a seasonal menu, to attract
more customers.
 Organizing: Assign tasks to your employees, such as one in charge of marketing and
others in charge of implementing the new menu.
 Leading: Inspire your team by organizing a meeting where you encourage them to
brainstorm ideas for promotions.
 Controlling: Monitor the sales data after introducing the new menu and adjust prices or
marketing strategies if necessary.
Conclusion

The role of a manager is crucial in ensuring that a business or organization


runs smoothly. By performing the functions of planning, organizing, leading,
and controlling, managers guide their teams toward achieving organizational
goals.

Understanding different types of managers and their roles allows business


students to see the importance of effective management in business success.

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