Functions, Roles, and Skills of a Manager

Vocabulary flashcards covering the five managerial functions, Mintzberg’s managerial roles, and the three essential managerial skill areas.

Planning

A decision-making process that determines future courses of action and how to achieve a specific target.

Organizing

Assigning and arranging tasks and authority to make efficient use of resources.

Staffing

Recruiting, selecting, inducting, and positioning people within the organization.

Directing / Leading

Motivating, guiding, communicating with, and coaching employees to accomplish goals.

Controlling

Measuring effectiveness and efficiency of execution against standards and plans.

Manager

An individual who oversees, manages, and assumes responsibility for the work of a group, department, or entire organization.

Interpersonal Roles

Managerial roles focused on building relationships with others inside and outside the organization.

Informational Roles

Managerial roles that center on receiving, processing, and sharing information.

Decisional Roles

Managerial roles that involve making choices and solving problems for the organization.

Figurehead Role

The manager acts as the symbolic head of the organization, performing legal and social duties.

Leader Role

The manager empowers, motivates, and activates subordinates.

Liaison Role

The manager maintains contacts inside and outside the organization to facilitate work.

Monitor Role

The manager gathers internal and external information relevant to the organization.

Disseminator Role

The manager transmits important information to subordinates.

Spokesperson Role

The manager shares information about the organization with outsiders and acts as its expert representative.

Entrepreneur Role

The manager seeks opportunities and initiates change-oriented projects to improve the organization.

Disturbance Handler Role

The manager responds to unexpected crises or conflicts, formulating and implementing solutions.

Resource Allocator Role

The manager distributes organizational resources—people, money, equipment, facilities—among units or projects.

Negotiator Role

The manager represents the organization in bargaining, contracts, acquisitions, and budget discussions.

Conceptual Skills

Abilities that allow managers to think abstractly, see the organization as a whole, and devise solutions to complex problems.

Human Skills

Abilities that enable managers to communicate, motivate, guide, and inspire people at all levels.

Technical Skills

Proficiency in specific tasks, methods, or technologies required to accomplish work effectively.