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10.2.1 Manager, leader, or both?

Should all managers be leaders and should all leaders be managers? Do good leaders also make good managers? What is the distinction between leaders and managers? Read the passage below on what Robbins and Mukerji (1994) say about managers and leaders.

Managers are appointed. They have legitimate power that allows them to reward and punish. Their ability to influence is founded upon the formal authority inherent in the position. In contrast, leaders may either be appointed or emerge from within a group.

Leaders can influence others to perform beyond the actions dictated by a formal authority.

Robbins, S and Mukerji, D (1994). Managing Organisations: New Challenges and Perspectives . 2nd edition. New York : Prentice Hall.

Possessing a vision and being able to inspire other people to action are two marks of a leader which a manager may not have; but today's manager must be a leader as well as a manager. Leadership and management should be considered as components of a continuum of skill, knowledge and experience.

A leader is someone who influences the behaviour and attitudes of people. A leader motivates employees, communicates with them and guides them. Usually a manager has responsibilities for many different functions in the work environment. A manager will plan, organise resources to meet goals, and evaluate and control the operational aspects of his or her area. A manager is responsible for relating to those around him or her and providing leadership, direction and motivation to encourage employees to perform. That is, a good manager will also be a good leader.

Leadership is found at all levels of the organisation. Leadership is found in work groups and teams, among supervisors and at departmental and operational levels. Leadership is most productive when applied in association with management.

The following reading is a general article on the effect of leadership and helping people to think strategically. Add to your notes on the 'Modern manager' when you have finished:

Reading 10.7

Parry, Ken (1998, June). 'Thrust and Parry'. Management Today , page 25.

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