AD212 American Business and Management

AD212

Fall 2002

Chapter 7: Understanding the Management Process

and

Henry Mintzberg, "The Manager's Job: Folklore and Fact," which you will find at http://search.epnet.com/direct.asp?an=9005210828&db=buh (requires Adobe Acrobat 5.0)

What is the role of a leader in a business organization? (Short question, complex answer.) How does that differ from the role of a manager -- or does it?

Of the four basic functions of management -- planning, organizing, leading/motivating, and controlling -- which do you think is the most important, and why? Corollary: How do the four functions interrelate with each other? (For example, how does the form of the organization influence planning and controlling? How does the control function influence planning and leadership, etc.?)

The book mentions that, when it comes to company goals and objectives, managers in different areas (departments) often see things quite differently. In fact, they are frequently at odds. But if they all are (presumably) interested in their company's welfare, why should this be? What can be done about it?

Mintzberg's article was written more than ten years ago, and some things may have changed (what?). Do you think that his analysis is still substantially correct?

The book lists "Personal Skills Required for Success" of managers (p.202). Which of these do you think are the most important? Why?