Managers play a crucial role in organizations, assuming various responsibilities and performing multiple tasks. These roles can be categorized into three primary groups: interpersonal roles, informational roles, and decisional roles.
Key Facts
- Interpersonal Roles:
- Figurehead: Managers act as symbolic representatives of the organization and perform ceremonial and social duties.
- Leader: Managers guide and motivate employees to achieve organizational goals.
- Liaison: Managers act as a bridge between different individuals and groups within and outside the organization, facilitating communication and coordination.
- Informational Roles:
- Monitor: Managers gather information from both internal and external sources to stay informed about the organization and its environment.
- Disseminator: Managers share relevant information with employees and other stakeholders who need it.
- Spokesperson: Managers represent the organization and communicate information to people outside the organization, such as shareholders or the media.
- Decisional Roles:
- Entrepreneur: Managers search for new opportunities and initiate change within the organization.
- Disturbance Handler: Managers deal with unexpected events and crises, taking necessary actions to resolve them.
- Resource Allocator: Managers allocate organizational resources, such as finances and human resources, to different tasks and projects.
- Negotiator: Managers represent the organization in negotiations with external parties, such as suppliers or unions.
Interpersonal Roles
In interpersonal roles, managers interact with people within and outside the organization. These roles include:
Figurehead:
Managers act as symbolic representatives of the organization and perform ceremonial and social duties. They attend events, give speeches, and represent the organization in public settings.
Leader:
Managers guide and motivate employees to achieve organizational goals. They set direction, provide guidance, and create a positive work environment.
Liaison:
Managers act as a bridge between different individuals and groups within and outside the organization, facilitating communication and coordination. They build relationships and networks to gather information and support.
Informational Roles
In informational roles, managers gather, process, and disseminate information. These roles include:
Monitor:
Managers gather information from both internal and external sources to stay informed about the organization and its environment. They analyze data, identify trends, and assess potential opportunities and threats.
Disseminator:
Managers share relevant information with employees and other stakeholders who need it. They communicate decisions, policies, and updates to keep everyone informed and aligned.
Spokesperson:
Managers represent the organization and communicate information to people outside the organization, such as shareholders or the media. They act as the voice of the organization and respond to inquiries and requests for information.
Decisional Roles
In decisional roles, managers make choices and allocate resources. These roles include:
Entrepreneur:
Managers search for new opportunities and initiate change within the organization. They identify market trends, develop new products or services, and explore new markets.
Disturbance Handler:
Managers deal with unexpected events and crises, taking necessary actions to resolve them. They assess the situation, develop contingency plans, and communicate with stakeholders.
Resource Allocator:
Managers allocate organizational resources, such as finances and human resources, to different tasks and projects. They prioritize activities, set budgets, and ensure efficient use of resources.
Negotiator:
Managers represent the organization in negotiations with external parties, such as suppliers or unions. They negotiate contracts, resolve disputes, and seek mutually beneficial agreements.
In conclusion, managers perform a wide range of roles, encompassing interpersonal, informational, and decisional aspects. These roles are essential for the effective functioning and success of organizations.
References
[1] B., 2016. Mintzberg’s Management Roles – Boundless Open Textbook. [online] Boundless.com. Available at: https://www.boundless.com/management/textbooks/boundless-management-textbook/introduction-to-management-1/additional-roles-and-skills-of-managers-20/mintzberg-s-management-roles-127-605/
[2] OpenStax. 2023. 6.6 Managerial Roles – Introduction to Business. [online] Available at: https://openstax.org/books/introduction-business/pages/6-6-managerial-roles
[3] Lumenlearning.com. 2023. Management Roles | Principles of Management. [online] Available at: https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-principlesofmanagement/chapter/management-roles/
FAQs
What are the three main categories of managerial roles?
The three main categories of managerial roles are interpersonal roles, informational roles, and decisional roles.
What are interpersonal roles in management?
Interpersonal roles involve interactions with people within and outside the organization. They include figurehead, leader, and liaison roles.
What are informational roles in management?
Informational roles involve the gathering, processing, and dissemination of information. They include monitor, disseminator, and spokesperson roles.
What are decisional roles in management?
Decisional roles involve making choices and allocating resources. They include entrepreneur, disturbance handler, resource allocator, and negotiator roles.
What is the role of a figurehead in management?
The figurehead role involves representing the organization in symbolic and ceremonial activities. Managers in this role perform social and legal duties, such as attending events and giving speeches.
What is the role of a leader in management?
The leader role involves guiding and motivating employees to achieve organizational goals. Managers in this role provide direction, create a positive work environment, and inspire employees.
What is the role of a liaison in management?
The liaison role involves building relationships and networks to gather information and support. Managers in this role act as a bridge between different individuals and groups within and outside the organization.
What is the role of a monitor in management?
The monitor role involves gathering information from both internal and external sources to stay informed about the organization and its environment. Managers in this role analyze data, identify trends, and assess potential opportunities and threats.