The Role of Management (Cambridge (CIE) O Level Business Studies)

Roles, Responsibilities and Organisational Relationships

• The organisational structure of a business determines the roles, responsibilities and relationships in an organisation 

  • Individuals at the top of the structure usually have more authority

  • Middle managers will have relationships with senior managers, other middle managers, and their subordinates

  • These hierarchies determine the formal routes through which communication often flows in a business

Diagram: possible business roles

Managers

• Managers have many responsibilities in the business and help it to operate effectively on a day-to-day basis

• Types of managers include directors, line managers and supervisors

Roles and Responsibilities of Managers in an Organisation

Role and Functions of Management

• The responsibilities of managers are similar, no matter the organisation in which they work

  • In schools

    • Headteachers organise the school's overall curriculum and staffing

    • Heads of Department manage teaching staff and subject course planning

    • Pastoral Managers focus on pupil behaviour and reward systems

    • Site Managers oversee the safety and maintenance of buildings and equipment

Diagram: manager roles

Planning

• Setting targets or aims for the organisation or department to achieve which provide a clear sense of purpose and direction

• Managers also plan and budget for resources required to achieve targets

  • The number of people required

  • Finance and capital resources needed

Organising

• Once targets have been set, managers should then organise the resources including

  • Allocate tasks and delegate responsibility to employees 

  • Make changes to ways of working to improve efficiency

Commanding

• Managers need to guide, lead and supervise employees in the tasks they do

  • Make sure staff meet deadlines and achieve individual or team targets

  • Provide feedback and direct staff to tasks 

Controlling

• Evaluate the performance of employees and teams

• Investigate reasons for missed targets and implement changes

• Manage budgets and report to senior leaders

• Ensure effective coordination between departments to achieve the organisation’s aims

Delegation

• Delegation is a process where responsibility for specific tasks is given to subordinates by managers 

  • Delegation usually involves transferring authority from manager to subordinate

  • E.g. the Human Resources Director of a large company delegates authority for recruitment and training to the Recruitment and Training Manager

The Advantages of Delegation

• Some managers are reluctant to delegate as they lose some control over decision-making

  • Managers may need support to be able to balance trust and control to delegate appropriate tasks

  • Autocratic leaders may not be willing to give authority to others

  • Some managers may feel threatened by highly skilled subordinates seeking promotion