Lecture Notes: Managers in the Workplace

Introduction

• Lecturer: Dr. Nur Aishah, Faculty of Business Economics and Social Development, University Malaysia Terengganu.
• Chapter Title: Managers in the Workplace
• Objectives:
  1. Explain the importance of managers to organizations.
  2. Identify who managers are and their work environments.
  3. Describe the functions, roles, and skills of managers.

Importance of Managers

1. Need for Skills: Essential for navigating uncertain and complex times.
2. Job Performance: Managers ensure that employees complete their tasks effectively.
3. Employee Relationships: The quality relationship between employees and supervisors is crucial for productivity and loyalty.

Who Are Managers?

• Definition: Managers coordinate and oversee the work of others to achieve organizational goals.
• Types of Managers:
  • First-Line Managers: Supervise non-managerial employees (e.g., supervisors, department managers).
  • Middle Managers: Oversee first-line managers (e.g., regional manager, project leader).
  • Top Managers: Make organization-wide decisions (e.g., executive vice president, president).

Characteristics of an Organization

1. Distinct Purpose: Expressed through goals.
2. Composition of People: Made up of individuals working together.
3. Deliberate Structure: Organized framework for work.

Management Definition

• Coordination and oversight of work activities to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
• Efficiency: Maximizing output with minimal input/resources.
• Effectiveness: Doing the right tasks to achieve organizational goals.

Functions of Management

1. Planning: Setting goals, establishing strategies, and developing plans.
2. Organizing: Determining tasks, grouping them, and establishing reporting relationships.
3. Leading: Motivating subordinates, resolving conflicts, and influencing teams.
4. Controlling: Monitoring performance and making adjustments to meet goals.

Managerial Roles

• Interpersonal Roles: Involve interactions with people (e.g., figurehead, leader, liaison).
• Informational Roles: Focus on information management (e.g., monitor, disseminator, spokesperson).
• Decisional Roles: Involve making decisions (e.g., entrepreneur, disturbance handler, resource allocator, negotiator).

Critical Skills for Managers

1. Technical Skills: Job-specific knowledge essential for first-line managers.
2. Human Skills: Ability to work well with others; important at all management levels.
3. Conceptual Skills: Ability to understand complex situations and see the organization as a whole; crucial for top managers.

Conclusion

• Management is essential for coordinating and overseeing work to achieve efficiency and effectiveness.