Chapter 1 - Managers and You in the Workplace Flashcards
Who is a manager?
A manager is someone who coordinates and oversees the work of other people so that organizational goals can be accomplished.
How can managers be classified?
Managers can be classified as first-line, middle, or top, based on their level of responsibility and the scope of their work.
What do first-line managers do?
First-line managers manage the work of non-managerial employees.
What are the responsibilities of middle managers?
Middle managers manage the work of first-line managers.
What is the role of top managers?
Top managers are responsible for making organization-wide decisions and establishing plans and goals that affect the entire organization.
Where do managers typically work?
Managers work within organizations, which are deliberate arrangements of people to accomplish specific purposes.
What are the three common characteristics of organizations?
The three characteristics are a distinct purpose, deliberate structure, and people.
Why are managers important?
Managers are critical to getting things done, and their skills and abilities are essential for organizational success.
What is management?
Management involves coordinating and overseeing the work activities of others so that their activities are completed efficiently and effectively.
What are efficiency and effectiveness?
- Efficiency: Doing things right – getting the most output from the least amount of input.
- Effectiveness: Doing the right things – attaining organizational goals.
How do efficiency and effectiveness differ?
- Efficiency is about means (how things are done).
- Effectiveness is about ends (achieving organizational goals).
What are the four management functions?
- Planning: Defining goals, establishing strategies, and developing plans.
- Organizing: Arranging and structuring work to accomplish goals.
- Leading: Working with and through people to accomplish goals.
- Controlling: Monitoring, comparing, and correcting work.
What is the goal of management functions?
To achieve the organization’s stated purposes effectively and efficiently.
What are Mintzberg’s Managerial Roles?
Mintzberg identified 10 roles grouped into interpersonal, informational, and decisional categories.
What are the three categories of Mintzberg’s roles?
- Interpersonal
- Informational
- Decisional
What are the interpersonal roles in Mintzberg’s Managerial Roles?
- Figurehead: Performing ceremonial duties and representing the organization officially.
- Leader: Guiding and motivating team members to achieve organizational goals.
- Liaison: Building and maintaining relationships with external stakeholders for effective communication and collaboration.
What are the informational roles in Mintzberg’s Managerial Roles?
- Monitor: Gathering and analyzing information to stay informed about industry trends and performance.
- Disseminator: Sharing relevant information with team members to ensure alignment with organizational objectives.
- Spokesperson: Representing the organization to external parties and effectively communicating its mission and achievements.
What are the decisional roles in Mintzberg’s Managerial Roles?
- Entrepreneur: Initiating change and innovation to improve performance.
- Disturbance Handler: Addressing crises and managing conflicts effectively.
- Resource Allocator: Deciding how to best utilize organizational resources, including time, budget, and personnel.
- Negotiator: Representing the organization’s interests in discussions with external partners or during internal negotiations.
Why is understanding Mintzberg’s roles helpful for managers?
It helps managers navigate their responsibilities more effectively, ensuring they can lead their teams while aligning with organizational objectives.
What are the three main types of management skills?
- Technical Skills: Knowledge and proficiency in a specific field.
- Human Skills: The ability to work well with other people.
- Conceptual Skills: The ability to think and conceptualize about abstract and complex situations concerning the organization.
What are some important managerial skills highlighted in Exhibit 1-7?
- Managing human capital
- Structuring work and getting things done
- Managing decision-making processes
- Inspiring commitment
- Facilitating the psychological and social contexts of work
- Managing strategy and innovation
- Managing change
- Using purposeful networking
- Managing logistics and technology
What are some key changes facing managers according to Exhibit 1-8?
- Changing Technology (Digitization)
- Increased Competitiveness
- Changing Security Threats
- Impact of Social Media
- Flexible Work Arrangements
- Empowered Employees
- Sustainability
- Globalization
- Increased Accountability
Why is managing customer relationships important for all managers and employees?
Without customers, most organizations would cease to exist. Consistent, high-quality customer service is essential.
What must managers do in relation to new technology?
- Get employees on board with new technology.
- Oversee the social interactions and challenges involved in using collaborative technologies.
How is social media defined?
Social media refers to forms of electronic communication through which users create online communities to share ideas, information, personal messages, and other content.
What is innovation?
Innovation involves exploring new territory, taking risks, and doing things differently.
What is sustainability in the context of business?
Sustainability is a company’s ability to achieve its business goals and increase long-term shareholder value by integrating economic, environmental, and social opportunities into its business strategies.
Why is treating employees well important for businesses?
Treating employees well is not only the right thing to do, but it is also good business as it fosters a productive and motivated workforce.
What does the universality of management refer to?
Management is needed in all types and sizes of organizations, at all organizational levels, in all areas, and no matter where the organization is located.
What are some challenges faced by managers?
- Can be a thankless job
- May entail clerical duties
- Spend significant time in meetings and dealing with interruptions
- Have to deal with a variety of personalities and limited resources
What are some rewards of being a manager?
- Creating a productive work environment
- Recognition and status
- Attractive compensation (salaries, bonuses, stock options)
- Opportunities to support, coach, and nurture others
Who are managers and where do they work?
- Managers coordinate and oversee the work of other people to accomplish organizational goals.
- They work in an organization, which is a deliberate arrangement of people designed to accomplish some specific purpose.
