Business 2 leadership and management Flashcards
What are managers and what do they do?
-set objectives for their department, + for the people under them.
-decide what work needs to be done to meet objectives, + what resources needed
-analyse + interpret data - e.g. data on employee performance, sales, production costs
- make decisions - using data analysis + interpretation. Eg, if they know that a store is busiest between 11 am + 2 pm, they’ll increase number of staff during
-review effectiveness of their decisions, + make further decisions based on their conclusions.
-appraise employees’ strengths + weaknesses + develop talents.
-lead their staff.
What is the difference between managing and leading?
Managing = telling people what to do + organising resources to get the job done
Leading = motivating people + inspiring them to do things.
What is the autocratic management/leadership style?
leader (or manager) makes decisions on their own.
identify objectives of the business or department + say how they’re going to be achieved.
-useful when dealing with lots of unskilled workers
-requires lots of supervision + monitoring - workers can’t make own decisions
-can demotivate able and intelligent workers.
What is the paternalistic style?
a softer form of autocratic
-leader consults workers before making decisions, then explains decisions to them to persuade the decisions are in their interest.
-leaders think that getting involved and caring about human relations is a positive motivator.
What is the democratic style?
-leader encourages workforce to participate in decision-making process. -Leaders discuss issues with workers, delegate responsibility + listen to advice.
-leaders have to be good communicators
-leaders have a lot of confidence in the workforce - increased employee motivation
- takes some of the weight of decision making off leader
What is the Laissez-faire style?
-weak form of leadership
-Leaders might offer employees coaching + support, but rarely interfere in the running of the business. This hands off style of leadership would only be appropriate for a small, highly motivated team of able workers.
What are the internal factors that might influence a leadership/management style?
-Urgent tasks, eg unexpected large order coming in, may need an authoritarian leader to tell employees what to do + how to do it.
-large, unskilled workforce suits authoritarian leadership whereas a small,educated one suits democratic approach more
What are some external factors that might influence a management/leadership style?
-In a recession, business needs strong leadership to guide through difficult economic times. Authoritarian or paternalistic leaders = efficient in times of crisis - can issue clear, quick commands (no consultation)
-When economy is growing, managers don’t always need strong leadership approach. Democratic leaders can take time to communicate with employees.
-Increased competition requires democratic leaders who can motivate their employees to adapt
to change or expansion.
What is the tannenbaum schmidt comtinuum?
places managers on a scale ranging from autocratic management through increasing levels of participation in decision-making by the workforce. Itidentifies seven key types of management style
What are the 7 key types of management styles?
Tells: Authoritarian - Zero involvement of workforce in decision making - they’re not trusted with decisions, so this style can be divisive between management and the workforce.
2) Sells: The manager makes the decision but tries to present it to the workforce as having a sound rationale. The workforce are allowed to ask questions but they do not influence the decision being made.
3) Suggests: A decision is outlined to the workforce and they are allowed to discuss and ask questions. This helps them feel that their opinions are being considered.
4) Consults: The manager proposes a tentative decision and invites discussion. The decision is open to being modified. This recognizes the insight and value of workforce participation in decision making.
5) Joins: The manager proposes a problem and the workforce work together to discuss solutions. Ultimately the manager will make the final decision. This style is useful if the workforce team have specific knowledge that helps the manager to make the best decision.
