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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
(i) Leading
Answer
Leading is a crucial management skill that enables an individual to positively influence how others behave, thereby contributing voluntarily to achieving group goals. This can be approached through various leadership styles:
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Autocratic (Authoritarian): This style involves making decisions without consulting subordinates. Leaders issue directives that must be followed, often using fear and threats to ensure compliance. While this can lead to quick decision-making, it often results in resentment among staff.
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Democratic: This style encourages participation from team members, fostering a sense of ownership and shared responsibility. Leaders consider input from subordinates, which not only helps solve problems but also increases job satisfaction.
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Laissez Faire: Here, leaders give autonomy to team members, allowing them the freedom to make decisions. This can work well when team individuals are highly skilled and motivated, but may lead to chaos without adequate guidance.
An effective leader must assess the context and adapt their style to suit the team and objectives.
Step 2
(ii) Motivating
Answer
Motivation encompasses the factors that stimulate individuals to act or behave in a certain way. It can be broken down as follows:
- Unsatisfied Needs: Recognizing what needs must be fulfilled for team members is essential.
- Goals: Setting achievable goals creates a direction for both individual and team efforts.
- Feedback: Providing timely feedback helps individuals understand their progress and drives continuous improvement.
Two notable theories of motivation include:
- Theory X: This theory posits that individuals dislike work and need to be coerced into performing tasks. It reflects a more autocratic approach.
- Theory Y: In contrast, this theory suggests that work can be enjoyable and that people are inherently motivated to work towards goals, provided they are given the right environment and autonomy.
Effective managers must identify individual motivators and create an environment that fosters motivation.
Step 3
(iii) Communicating
Answer
Communication is vital in management as it involves transferring information and ensuring mutual understanding. Key elements include:
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Barriers to Communication: Factors such as assumptions, climate, planning, language, and media can obfuscate the message. Managers must be aware of these barriers to facilitate clear communication.
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Downward Communication: This refers to instructions given from a superior to a subordinate. It is essential for carrying out directives and ensuring that team members are aligned with organizational goals.
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Upward Communication: Managers should encourage feedback and suggestions from subordinates to foster an inclusive decision-making process. This helps build trust and a sense of involvement.
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Lateral (Horizontal) Communication: This involves communication among individuals at the same level within the organization. It is essential for collaboration and to enhance operational efficiency.
Overall, effective communication strengthens relationships and facilitates smooth operations in an organization.