It is never sufficient to have enough resources in an organization if there is nobody to effectively manage them. Therefore, every organization needs a capable manager to oversee organizational activities.
In this article, you will learn the meaning and roles of a manager in an organization.
Who is a Manager
A manager is a person that makes sure that all employees work towards organizational goals. The manager makes managerial decisions on behalf of the organization and coordinates the flow of activities.
All the resources of the organization, be it human, financial or operational resources are handled by the manager to ensure that they perform optimally.
Types of Managers
There are different types of managers, this classification depends on their roles within an organization. The various types of managers are;
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- Frontline managers
- Middle managers
- Top managers
- Project managers
- Product managers
- Operations Manager
- Marketing managers
- Human Resource managers
- Financial managers
- Change managers
- Risks managers
Frontline managers
Front-line managers are also called or identified as first-line managers or supervisors. They are the individuals that oversee the day-to-day activities of a specific team or department in an organization.
Frontline managers ensure that tasks are carried out effectively and that the employees under their management follow the rules and policies of the organization.
Middle managers
Middle managers work below top-level executives and above the frontline managers. They serve as a middleman that oversees the managers of various departments or groups within an organization and report to the top-level executives.
Middle managers are responsible for coordinating and ensuring smooth communication between departments. They ensure that different departments meet their individual goals within an organization.
Top managers
Top managers are also known as senior managers or executives. They are at the highest level of the organizational hierarchy.
They are usually the governing body of an organization. They are responsible for setting the overall goals of the organization.
Project managers
Project managers are the individuals in charge of certain tasks or initiatives under various departments in an organization. They plan, execute and close projects.
These managers make sure that resources, timelines, budgets and teams are managed efficiently to ensure that projects are completed successfully.
Product managers
Product managers are responsible for the management of a specific product or product line of the organization.
They try to understand customers’ needs, define product features and guide the product successfully through its lifecycle.
Operational managers
Operational managers oversee the activities of the organization and make sure that day-to-day processes run smoothly. They ensure that resources are put to optimal use and quality standards are met.
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Marketing managers
Within organizations, marketing managers execute and create marketing strategies to promote sales of the organization’s products. They analyze market trends, identify target audiences and coordinate various marketing activities.
Human resource managers
Human resource managers are responsible for managing personnel who work within the organization. Their functions include recruitment, employee training and development, employee relations and benefits administration.
Financial managers
Financial managers oversee the finances of the organization. They supervise organization monetary investments, making sure that at all times, the finances of the organizations are constantly afloat.
They handle financial matters such as budgeting, financial planning, investment decisions and financial reporting. Financial managers ensure that the company is in full compliance with financial regulations.
Change managers
Change managers focus on implementing ideas such as new technologies, processes or organizational structures. They also ensure that employees transit smoothly through periods of change.
Risks managers
Risk managers identify, access and access risks that could impact the organization’s operational activities, finances or reputation. They ensure that, at all times, the organization is free from legal implications and other forms of dangers.
Qualities of a Good Manager
There are certain characteristics that every good manager must possess to perform their managerial duties effectively. Some of these qualities include;
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- Exceptional leadership qualities to guide and inspire their team members.
- Ability to listen and express ideas actively to ensure smooth flow of information among team members.
- Ability to understand and relate to the needs and feelings of team members to provide a supportive work environment.
- Flexibility and adaptability to new ideas.
- Ability to solve problems and implement solutions.
- Ability to take responsibility for their actions whether positive or negative.
Roles of a Manager
The roles of managers are subdivided into three, they are;
- Interpersonal roles
- Informational roles
- Decisional roles
Interpersonal roles
Interpersonal roles are a category of managerial roles that portray the manager’s ability to interact with people within and outside the organization. The manager’s interpersonal roles include;
1. As a figurehead
Managers often serve as symbolic leaders of their teams. One of the interpersonal roles of a manager is to perform ceremonial duties and act as role models for their employees.
2. As a leader
Another interpersonal role of managers is that they serve as a symbol of leadership within their department. Managers are motivators, they guide and inspire their team members to work effectively towards a common objective.
3. As a liaison
Managers also act as a middleman within their department, and other departments in the organization or external stakeholders to ensure that there is free flow of communication among members of various departments in an organization.
Informational roles
The informational roles of a manager involve collecting, processing and disseminating information within an organization. Some informational roles of a manager include;
1. Monitor role
Managers have to constantly monitor their internal and external environment to gather information. Managers monitor industry trends, competitive developments, technological advancements and other relevant information that could affect the running of the organization.
2. Disseminator role
The disseminator role of a manager allows him or her to share the information that they have gathered with their team or relevant shareholders. Managers ensure that employees have the necessary information needed to effectively perform their duties.
3. Spokesperson role
Managers present the organization to stakeholders such as customers, investors, the media and the general public. They communicate the organization’s missions, values, strategies and accomplishments. For the organization to maintain positive relationships with external parties, managers must be able to communicate clearly and accurately.
Decisional roles
The decisional role of a manager involves making judgements and choices that determine the organization’s directions, strategies and operations. The decisional roles of a manager are;
1. Entrepreneur role
Managers are proactive in searching out new opportunities and innovations that will benefit their organization. They analyze market trends and identify and explore new opportunities, they initiate projects that will lead to the growth of the company.
2. Disturbance handler role
Managers are responsible for handling conflicts, crises and disruptions that arise in the organization. Whenever there is a conflict situation within team members, the manager is responsible for settling the conflict amicably and ensuring that all things get back to normal.
3. Resource allocator role
Managers allocates resources such as personnel, time and materials efficiently to various tasks, projects and initiatives. The manager makes sure that resources are put to optimal use, that is, minimal resources are employed to get maximum results.
4. Negotiator role
Another role that a manager plays is to be a negotiator. Acting in the capacity of a negotiator, the manager bargains with internal and external parties to reach agreements that favor the organization.
These agreements could include partnerships, contracts or labor agreements. The manager should be able to negotiate and arrive at reasonable conclusions with parties.
Examples of Managerial Skills
Managerial skills are important to achieve organizational goals successfully. Below are some examples of managerial skills;
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- Inspiring and motivating team members.
- Providing clear direction and setting achievable goals.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Clearly conveying instructions, expectations and feedback.
- Analyzing complex situations and identifying the root cause.
- Prioritizing tasks and allocating time effectively.
- Ability to handle multi projects.
- Recognizing and utilizing the individual strength of team members.
- Negotiating contracts, deals and partnerships.
- Maintaining relationships while negotiating.
Conclusion
Exceptional managers are indispensable assets of any organization. The growth of an organization is a direct reflection of its manager.
A manager’s role is not about managing tasks alone; it’s about leading people, nurturing talent, and steering the organization towards continued growth and success. As businesses continue to face new challenges and opportunities, the importance of effective management and the qualities of a successful manager remain paramount.
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