Chapter 2.6 - 2.11 Management Skills/Styles

Question 1

Define autocratic management style

Answer 1

Where the manager tells staff what descions are made

Question 2

Advantages of an autocratic style

Answer 2

Directions and procedures are clear
Employees roles and expectations are set out plainly
Control is top down and centralised so time is used efficiently

Question 3

Disadvantages of a autocratic style

Answer 3

No employee input means no skill development
Employee job satisfaction decreases
Conflict chance increases
Us and them mentality

Question 4

Define persuasive management

Answer 4

Where the manager attempts to sell decisions made

Question 5

Advantages of a persuasive style

Answer 5

Managers gain trust and support
Employees believe that there feelings are being considered may act more positive
Acceptance of negative situations

Question 6

Disadvantages of a persuasive style

Answer 6

Attitudes and trust remain negative
Communication is still poor and limited to a top down system
Employees remain frustrated because they are denied full participation

Question 7

Define consultative management style

Answer 7

The manager consults employees before making decisions

Question 8

Advantages of a consultative style

Answer 8

Greater variety of ideas
Employees have greater ownership so they take more interest
Decisions are completed more efficiently with better results

Question 9

Disadvantages of a consultative style

Answer 9

Time taken to consult all employees can slow process
Some ideas are bound to be ignored may cause conflict
Some issues to be decided are not suitable for widespread consultation process

Question 10

Define participative management style

Answer 10

Where the manger unites with staff to make decisions together

Question 11

Advantages of a participative style

Answer 11

Employee/Employer relations are positive
Motivation and job satisfaction are optimal
High levels of trust improve employee performance

Question 12

Disadvantages of a participative style

Answer 12

The role of management may be weakened and undermined
Internal conflict can arise
Could lead to an informal system resulting in collapse of management

Question 13

Define laissez-fare management style

Answer 13

Where the employees assume total responsibility for, and control of work place operations

Question 14

Advantages of a laissez-fare style

Answer 14

Employees feel a sense of ownership resulting in outstanding results
Communication is completely open
Continuous encouragement for creativity

Question 15

Disadvantages of laissez-fair style

Answer 15

Complete loss of control by management could result in misuse of organisations resources
Style can breed personal conflicts
Focus on meeting objectives can be easily eroded

Question 16

Define contingency management theory

Answer 16

Stresses the need for flexibility and the adaption of management styles to suit the situation

Question 17

Define communication

Answer 17

The ability to transfer information from a sender to a receiver and to listen to feedback

Question 18

Define delegation

Answer 18

Transfer of authority and responsibility from a manager to an employee to carry out specific activities

Question 19

Define negotiation

Answer 19

The ability to resolve a dispute or to produce a satisfactory agreement on a course of action

Question 20

What does it mean to “empower” employees

Answer 20

Is to include them fully in the decision making process, provide autonomy, gain trust, training and development

Question 21

Define team/group dynamics

Answer 21

The interactions of individuals within teams

Question 22

Define problem solving

Answer 22

Broad set of activities which include searching for, identifying and then implementing a course of action to an unworkable situation

Question 23

Define technical skills

Answer 23

The ability to perform tasks in a specialised field

Question 24

Define time management

Answer 24

Involves the ability to prioritise tasks, set deadlines, review progress and delegate

Question 25

Define stress management

Answer 25

Ability to manage the levels of stress that develop in employees

Question 26

Define emotional intelligence

Answer 26

Skill of identifying, assessing and managing the emotions of self and others

Question 27

Define ethical management

Answer 27

Process of abiding by moral standards and doing the right thing in the interest of all stakeholders

Question 28

Define corporate code of conduct

Answer 28

Set of ethical standards for managers and employees to uphold

Question 29

Define social responsibility

Answer 29

Obligations a business has over and above its legal responsibilities

Question 30

Define social support

Answer 30

Outlines what an organisation has done and is doing with regard to social issues

Question 31

Define management style

Answer 31

Refers to the behaviour and attitudes of a manager