HR-2.3 leadership and management

Key term

Definition

Autocratic management (leadership)

Management style that involves centralised and autonomous decision-making, without input from others in the organization.

Democratic management (leadership)

Management style that actively involves the participation of employees in the decision-making process.

Functions of management

The various roles and responsibilities of managers, i.e., coordinating, commanding, and controlling business operations.

Intuitive thinking (management) (HL only)

A quick approach to management based on the manager’s own values, views, and/or gut feelings that are not always quantifiable.

Laissez-faire leadership (management)

A hands-off approach to leadership by devolving decision-making power to the workforce.

Leadership

The art of inspiring and motivating other people towards achieving a common organizational aim or vision.

Leadership style

Refers to the way in which managers and leaders provide direction for others.

Management

The art of getting things done through others by setting clear objectives and organising organizational resources.

Manager

Someone with decision-making authority in an organization and has responsibility for problem-solving in order to achieve specific organizational goals.

Paternalistic management (leadership)

Management style that involves treating workers as family members, so managers make decisions believed to be in the best interest of the workforce

Scientific thinking (management)

A relatively long approach to management based on objectivity, facts, and empirical evidence. This approach to management and leadership follows a formal and prescribed procedure.

Situational leadership

Leadership style that requires leaders to change and adapt their approach in response to different situations and circumstances.

SMART objectives

Peter Drucker’s framework for setting organizational objectives, which must be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely.