A2 Functions of management and leadership

Question 1

Planning

Answer 1

• Determining the business goals
• Working out a strategy to achieve the goals
• Designing a plan to implement the strategy

Question 2

Organising

Answer 2

This is one of the main jobs of a manger and involves arranging relationships between human resources and other resources in order to accomplish goals

Question 3

Coordinating

Answer 3

Closely related to organising is the function of coordination. this mean having the right people in the right place, with the right skills, at the right time. It means making sure that when a job needs to be done the resources are there to ensure it happens

Question 4

Controlling

Answer 4

This is about ensuring that all of the activities going on in the organisation are aimed at meeting the organisational goals. It is also about making sure that each individual resource, whether human or financial, is performing to the best level

Question 5

Monitoring

Answer 5

Monitoring involves systematically checking on progress or performance. It means ensuring that once resources have been set to accomplish a goal they are actually accomplishing that goal or moving towards it

Question 6

Delegating

Answer 6

This involves giving someone the power and authority to carry out a task or activity on the managers behalf.

A manager cannot directly lead all activities and has to rely on others, such as junior managers, supervisors and team leaders, to accomplish goals under their direction

Question 7

Inspiring

Answer 7

A leader will try to motivate individuals to do or feel something and had to believe that all goals are achievable. inspirational leaders set the pace of change. They have a belief in the future and try to connect individuals to show that what they are doing ahs a meaning

Question 8

Energising

Answer 8

This aims to give individuals the drive and will to accomplish goals. a good leader will make people feel much more able and more powerful to be able to achieve targets.

Energising leadership is all about mobilising and focusing activity and effort

Question 9

Influencing stakeholders

Answer 9

A good leader will direct the activities of stakeholders - individuals and groups who have an interest in the business - and mobilise their support. They will try to ensure that the shareholders or owners of the organisation are rewarded for their investment by showing good profits

Question 10

Envisioning

Answer 10

This is one of the most important functions of a leader because it means that they are able to create an image of the future and then develop a strategy top achieve it. they have to communicate this to others and convince them to buy in to the vision. a good leader would be able to create a clear strategy to achieve the vision

Question 11

Determining best path

Answer 11

A businesses future, or problems it may be facing, presents the leader with options. choosing the most effective path or route is a major function of the leader. they then need to convince others to see that this is the right way forward, and in so doing get the support that they need to ensure success or solve the problem