Decisional Roles of a Manager

Managers play a crucial role in making decisions that shape the direction and success of an organization. Henry Mintzberg, a renowned management theorist, identified four primary decisional roles that managers assume: entrepreneur, disturbance handler, resource allocator, and negotiator. These roles involve making choices and taking actions to address various situations and challenges within the organization.

Entrepreneur

As entrepreneurs, managers are responsible for driving change and innovation within the organization. They identify opportunities for improvement, develop new ideas, and take proactive steps to implement these ideas. This role involves risk-taking, creativity, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Entrepreneurial managers are constantly seeking ways to improve efficiency, increase productivity, and gain a competitive advantage.

Disturbance Handler

Managers often face unexpected events or crises that require immediate attention and resolution. In the role of a disturbance handler, managers are responsible for addressing these disruptions and minimizing their impact on the organization. This role requires quick thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Disturbance handlers must be able to assess the situation, identify the root cause of the problem, and take appropriate action to resolve it.

Resource Allocator

Managers play a critical role in allocating resources within the organization. This includes determining how to distribute funds, personnel, equipment, time, and other resources to different departments or projects. Resource allocators must consider the organization’s overall goals and priorities, as well as the specific needs of each department or project. Effective resource allocation ensures that resources are used efficiently and effectively to achieve the organization’s objectives.

Negotiator

Managers often engage in negotiations with both internal and external parties to reach agreements that benefit the organization. They represent the interests of the organization and strive to secure favorable outcomes. Negotiators must be skilled in communication, persuasion, and compromise. They must be able to understand the needs and interests of the other party, identify areas of common ground, and find mutually acceptable solutions.

In conclusion, the decisional roles of a manager are essential for the effective functioning of an organization. By fulfilling these roles, managers make critical choices, address challenges, allocate resources, and negotiate agreements that shape the organization’s direction and success.

References

1. Runn. (2022, December 19). 10 Managerial Roles, According to Mintzberg. Runn. https://www.runn.io/blog/managerial-roles
2. The Open University. (n.d.). Managing and managing people: 4.3.3 Decisional roles. OpenLearn – Open University. https://www.open.edu/openlearn/money-business/leadership-management/managing-and-managing-people/content-section-4.3.3
3. Lumen Learning. (n.d.). Managerial Roles. Lumen Learning – Simple Book Production. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-osintrobus/chapter/managerial-roles/

FAQs

What is the role of an entrepreneur manager?

Entrepreneur managers are responsible for driving change and innovation within the organization. They identify opportunities for improvement, develop new ideas, and take proactive steps to implement these ideas.

What does a disturbance handler manager do?

Disturbance handler managers are responsible for addressing and resolving unexpected events or crises that arise within the organization. They must react quickly and effectively to minimize the impact of disruptions.

What is the role of a resource allocator manager?

Resource allocator managers make decisions regarding the allocation of resources within the organization. This includes determining how to distribute funds, personnel, equipment, time, and other resources to different departments or projects.

What does a negotiator manager do?

Negotiator managers engage in negotiations with both internal and external parties to reach agreements that benefit the organization. They represent the interests of the organization and strive to secure favorable outcomes.

Why are decisional roles important for managers?

Decisional roles are important for managers because they allow them to make critical choices, address challenges, allocate resources, and negotiate agreements that shape the organization’s direction and success.

What skills do managers need to be effective in decisional roles?

Managers need a variety of skills to be effective in decisional roles, including problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, persuasion, and negotiation skills.

How can managers improve their decision-making skills?

Managers can improve their decision-making skills by gathering and analyzing relevant information, considering different alternatives, and seeking input from others. They can also use decision-making tools and frameworks to help them make more informed and effective decisions.

What are some common challenges that managers face in decision-making?

Some common challenges that managers face in decision-making include uncertainty, time constraints, limited information, and conflicting stakeholder interests.