Chapter 2, Problem 1DT

Summary Introduction

To Explain:

Why do you think these two perspectives on management are important?

Introduction:

The managers control over all the operations and functions virtually within an organization. So its the manager who decides all the operational things in an organization. A manager in any organization has two kinds of view the omnipotent and the symbolic and it has their own specific affect on overall output.

Explanation of Solution

There are two perspectives on management - managers are all powerful and managers are all helpless. The role of managers vary from companies to companies and departments to departments. Managers ensure about the activities carried out in the production process. The well being of employees are also maintained by managers. Employees based on their working skill are promoted to managers level. Some are not well equipped to tackle situations arising in the company. Some managers do not pay attention to their lower subordinated which make them feel alienated and frustrated. And some are paying full attention each and every individual to make a conducive environment within the organization. Here, manager plays crucial role by making good relation with employees, driving them to do their work. Thus, completion of work on time and achieving goals. In survey employees prefer good boss over hike in salary.

Manager is really powerful. The strong leaders at the top cannot do anything if a manager decides to spoil the planning. He can taint the work environment. He is directly responsible for the success and failure of the business. His decision based on external environment has great impact on running business. This changing environment serves as an opportunity and challenge for business. It allows to correct performance and lead by exploiting opportunity. The profit increase is the result of manager's successful effort in running business. Similarly, manager is made responsible for loss.

Managers are helpless although they manage everything within organization. The performance of business is affected mainly by external conditions and uncertainties. These factors are such as economy, customers, competitors' actions, government policies etc. The managers ability totally depend on them. They have little control over them. The managers control by creating plans, taking decisions, engaging in activities to bring meaningful sense from huge data. The main task of deploying newer technologies, setting goals and anything for long term are done by higher authority. Managers cannot take financial decisions. The managers' role is limited.

These two perspectives are important for us to know different aspect about managers and management. It allows us to think on our own about manager's role, effectiveness,and helplessness.