Understanding the Role of Managers

Despite the abundance of management resources, the actual functions of managers can be unclear. This course delves into what managers do on a daily basis.

Definition of Managerial Roles

• A role is a set of expectations regarding a manager's behavior.
• Managerial roles are categorized into three main types:
  1. Informational - managing by information
  2. Interpersonal - managing through people
  3. Decisional - managing through action

Importance of Managerial Roles

• These roles lead to the main management functions: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling.
• Understanding these roles helps clarify the complexity of management work.
• In practice, these roles often interact rather than operate independently.

Informational Roles

• Communication is critical; 75% of a manager’s time is spent communicating.
• Monitor Role:
  • Involves seeking information from various sources to stay informed.
• Disseminator Role:
  • Manages internal communication by sending memos, reports, making calls, or holding meetings.
• Spokesperson Role:
  • Shares information with outsiders through various forms of communication.

Interpersonal Roles

• Involves building and maintaining relationships.
• Figurehead Role:
  • Represents the organization in formal capacities, often in ceremonial roles.
• Leader Role:
  • Focuses on motivating, communicating with, and influencing subordinates.
• Liaison Role:
  • Develops a network of information sources inside and outside the organization.

Decisional Roles

• Involves making choices and taking action.
• Entrepreneur Role:
  • Drives innovation and change to achieve future goals.
• Mediator Role:
  • Resolves conflicts within the team or between departments.
• Resource Allocator Role:
  • Manages the distribution of resources such as time, personnel, and budget.
• Negotiator Role:
  • Represents the interests of the team or department in negotiations.

Factors Influencing Managerial Roles

• The emphasis on these roles varies based on:
  • The manager's position in the hierarchy
  • Natural skills and abilities
  • Type of organization
  • Specific departmental goals

In summary, managers perform a range of roles that are crucial for effective management, emphasizing the interconnectedness of their responsibilities.