2.1 - Understanding management

Question 1

In large businesses, what differentiates managers and leaders?

Answer 1

In a growing business, a focus on long-term vision and direction is often needed, and it is the role of a leader to provide this.

Managers focus on ensuring tasks are completed and deadlines are met, in such a way to support the long-term vision and direction of the leader.

Question 2

What factors can influence styles of management and leadership?

Answer 2

External environment.
Culture of a business.
Skill level of the workforce.

Question 3

Name and explain two types of leadership.

Answer 3

Democratic - Democratic leadership refers to an approach by leaders or managers to discuss and consult with employees, delegate decision making authority and empower employees through their involvement.

Autocratic - Autocratic leadership refers to an approach by leaders or managers to keep control of decision making and ensure that employees are closely supervised

Question 4

Name two theories of management.

Answer 4

Blake mouton’s theory - Blake Mouton’s grid classifies styles according to whether a manager or leader places more emphasis on concern for people or concern for task completion.

Tannenbaum and schmidt’s theory - Theorists Tannenbaum and Schmidt also propose their own theory about different styles of management & leadership. They show this on their ‘management continuum’.

Question 5

Name the five types of management/leadership in Blake moutons Theory.

Answer 5

Country club
Lassie-faiz / impoverished
Team leader
Autocratic/Authoritarian
Middle of the road

Question 6

Explain and describe Tannenbaums and Schmidt’s continuum.

Answer 6

Left of the continuum
At the far left of the continuum, managers maintain full authority and decision making power.
At the far left of the continuum, managers communicate such decisions to employees who have to comply.
The left of the continuum is similar to an approach of autocratic leadership.

Right of the continuum
At the far right of the continuum, employees are given authority and decision making power.
The right of the continuum is similar to an approach of democratic leadership.