role of a manager - Mintzberg

Question 1

figurehead

Answer 1

represents the organisation as the highest figure of authority

strong figurehead can lead to beneficial PR and media attention

Question 1

name different managerial roles

Answer 1

• figurehead
• leader
• liaison
• monitor
• spokesperson
• negotiator
• disseminator
• entrepreneur
• disturbance handler
• resource allocator

Question 2

leader

Answer 2

inspires/motivates employees

may reduce staff turnover as employees will be loyal to them

Question 3

liaison

Answer 3

builds and maintains working relationships with internal and external stakeholders

power of persuasion can lead to lucrative business deals

Question 4

monitor

Answer 4

checks progress to ensure plans are on target

takes corrective action if targets are not being met

workforce will be more productive if the manager is checking if work is being done

Question 5

spokesperson

Answer 5

publicly represents the organisation at press conferences

diffuse negative media coverage/improves PR

may improve the organisation’s image leading to investment

Question 6

negotiator

Answer 6

interfaces between parties to reach agreements

can secure good deals with suppliers/contractors which lowers costs

negotiates with a trade union to reduce strike action

Question 7

disseminator

Answer 7

distributes and conveys information to relevant bodies in the organisation

reduces confusion and stress from staff if communication is clear and often

Question 8

entrepreneur

Answer 8

sets the vision for the company/team and make decisions as to its direction

innovative ideas generation can give a firm an edge over rivals

Question 9

disturbance handler

Answer 9

handles issues, problems and complications within the business

minimises delays and disputes which saves time

Question 10

resource allocator

Answer 10

makes decisions as to how finances, staffing and technology are used within the firm

poor decision making can be costly to an organisation