Domain 1 IA Operations - Managerial Roles

Question 1

What was Henry Mintzbergs belief about managerial roles?

Answer 1

He focused on the key roles that managers play.
He criticised the traditional, functional approach as being unrealistic.
In his view the average manager is not a reflective planner

Question 2

What method did Mintzberg use?

Answer 2

Structured observation - he recorded activities and correspondence of a few selected top-level executives.

Question 3

What were the results of Mintzbergs observations?

Answer 3

10 roles common to all managers and these were grouped into 3 categories.

Question 4

Name the 3 categories of roles according to Mintzberg

Answer 4

Interpersonal
Informational
Decisional

Question 5

Role category: Interpersonal

Answer 5

Figurehead - legal authority, perform ceremonial duties (sign documents etc)
Leader - Motivate subordinates
Liaison - Serve as a link in a horizontal and vertical chain of communication

Question 6

Role category: Informational

Answer 6

Nerve Center - focal point for non-routine information - receive all types of info
Disseminator - Transmit selected info to subordinates
Spokesperson - Transmit selected info to outsiders

Question 7

Role Category: Decisional

Answer 7

Entrepreneur - Design and initiate changes within org
Disturbance handler - take corrective action in non-routine situations
Resource allocator - Decide exactly who should get what resources
Negotiator - Participate in negotiating sessions with other parties to make sure orgs interests are adequately represented