2.6 Read text 2a. Answer the questions after the text. Text 2a Managers

There is a classic definition that “Leaders do the right thing and managers do things right.” A more standard definition is usually something like “managers work toward the organization’s goals using its resources in an effective and efficient manner.” In a traditional sense, large organizations may have different levels of managers, including top managers, middle managers and first-line managers.

Top (or executive) managers are responsible for overseeing the whole organization and typically engage in more strategic and conceptual matters, with less attention to day-to-day detail. Top managers have middle managers working for them and who are in charge of a major function or department. Middle managers may have first-line managers working for them and who are responsible to manage the day-to-day activities of a group of workers.

Note that there are different types of managers across the same levels in the organization. A project manager is in charge of developing a certain project, e.g., development of a new building. A functional manager is in charge of a major function, such as department in the organization, e.g., marketing, sales, engineering, finance, etc. A product manager is in charge of a product or service. Similarly, a product line manager is in charge of a group of closely related products. General managers are in charge of numerous functions within an organization or department.

What do managers do?

There are four major functions of managers: planning, organizing, leading and coordinating. What managers do is the following:

1) Planning

Including identifying goals, objectives, methods, resources needed to carry out methods, responsibilities and dates for completion of tasks. Examples of planning are strategic planning, business planning, project planning, staffing planning, advertising and promotion planning, etc.

2) Organizing resources

to achieve the goals in an optimum fashion. Examples are organizing new departments, human resources, office and file systems, re-organizing businesses, etc.

3) Leading

including to set direction for the organization, groups and individuals and also influence people to follow that direction. Examples are establishing strategic direction (vision, values, and goals) and using methods to pursue that direction.

4) Controlling or coordinating

the organization’s systems, processes and structures to reach effectively and efficiently goals and objectives. This includes constant monitoring and adjustment of systems, processes and structures accordingly. Examples include the use of financial controls, policies and procedures, performance management processes, measures to avoid risks, etc.

Comprehension

2.7 Answer the questions:

1. What is a more standard definition of a manager?

2. What levels of managers may large organizations have?

3. What are the four major functions of managers?

4. What is planning? What are the kinds of planning?

5. What are the examples of organizing the resources?

6. What is leading?

7. What is the function of controlling?