Roles Performed by Managers
A manager wears many hats. Not only is a manager a team leader, but he or she is also a planner, organizer, cheerleader, coach, problem-solver, and decision-maker — all rolled into one. And these are just a few of a manager’s roles.
In addition, managers’ schedules are usually jam-packed. Whether they’re busy with employee meetings, unexpected problems, or strategy sessions, managers often find little spare time on their calendars. (And that doesn’t even include responding to e-mail!)
Henry Mintzberg describes a set of ten roles that a manager fills. These roles fall into three categories
- Interpersonal: This role involves human interaction.
- Informational: This role involves the sharing and analysis of information.
- Decisional: This role involves decision making.
The following table contains a more in-depth look at each category of roles that help managers carry out all five functions described in “Functions of Managers”.
Mintzberg's Set of Ten Roles
|
Category |
Role |
Activity |
|
Informational |
Monitor |
Seek and receive information; scan periodicals and reports; maintain personal contact with stakeholders. |
|
Disseminator |
Forward information to organization members via memos, reports, and phone calls. |
|
|
Spokesperson |
Transmit information to outsiders via reports, memos, and speeches. |
|
|
Interpersonal |
Figurehead |
Perform ceremonial and symbolic duties, such as greeting visitors and signing legal documents. |
|
Leader |
Direct and motivate subordinates; counsel and communicate with subordinates. |
|
|
Liaison |
Maintain information links both inside and outside organization via mail, phone calls, and meetings. |
|
|
Decisional |
Entrepreneur |
Initiate improvement projects; identify new ideas and delegate idea responsibility to others. |
|
Disturbance handler |
Take corrective action during disputes or crises; resolve conflicts among subordinates; adapt to environments. |
|
|
Resource allocator |
Decide who gets resources; prepare budgets; set schedules and determine priorities. |
|
|
Negotiator |
Represent department during negotiations of union contracts, sales, purchases, and budgets. |
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