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Managers are said to take on a wide range of roles in pursuing the objectives of an organisation - Leaving Cert Business - Question 5 - 2003
Question 5
Managers are said to take on a wide range of roles in pursuing the objectives of an organisation. They are accountable for the work of others as well as their own wo... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Managers are said to take on a wide range of roles in pursuing the objectives of an organisation - Leaving Cert Business - Question 5 - 2003
Step 1
Leading
Answer
Leadership is a critical element in management, enabling managers to positively influence the behavior of their team members. Effective leadership fosters a collaborative environment where objectives are met through shared commitment. There are various leadership styles a manager can adopt:
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Autocratic Leadership: Here, decision-making is centralized. The leader makes the choices, and subordinates are expected to follow without input. While this can lead to quick decision-making, it may cause resentment among team members if they feel undervalued.
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Democratic Leadership: This approach involves subordinates in the decision-making process, enhancing motivation and job satisfaction. It enables individuals to feel valued and connected to the outcomes of their work.
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Laissez-Faire Leadership: In this style, the manager provides minimal direction and allows employees to make decisions. While this can encourage creativity and satisfaction, it may also lead to a lack of structure.
A balanced approach, where a leader adapts their style according to the situation and the team's needs, typically results in higher overall performance.
Step 2
Motivating
Answer
Motivation involves the factors that drive individuals to perform tasks. Understanding theories of motivation can improve management strategies. Key theories include:
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Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: This theory posits that individuals are motivated by a series of needs, starting from physiological needs to self-actualization. Managers should understand which level their employees are striving to fulfill to tailor their motivational strategies accordingly.
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McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y: Theory X assumes that employees are inherently lazy and need constant supervision, while Theory Y believes that they are naturally motivated and strive to achieve goals. Managers should lean towards Theory Y for more effective motivation by creating an empowering work environment.
Motivating employees with the right rewards and recognition not only boosts productivity but also enhances satisfaction and loyalty.
Step 3
Communicating
Answer
Communication is vital for organizational success, involving the clear transfer of information from one entity to another. Key components of effective communication include:
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Barriers to Communication: These can include noise, language barriers, or varied interpretations that hinder the message clarity. Addressing these barriers improves understanding and responsiveness.
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Downward Communication: This refers to the flow of information from higher management to subordinates. Clear directives and feedback can keep employees aligned with organizational goals.
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Upward Communication: Encouraging feedback from employees allows managers to recognize issues and make informed decisions.
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Lateral Communication: This facilitates collaboration between departments, facilitating a more cohesive approach to achieving objectives.
Effectively communicating both formally and informally contributes to a more engaged and informed workforce.