MG4031 week 2 lecture 1

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Questions and Answers

Which role is primarily focused on representing the organization externally?

Negotiator

Figurehead (correct)

Leader

Monitor

In the context of decision-making, which role involves dealing with unforeseen problems?

Spokesperson

Resource Allocator

Entrepreneur

Disturbance Handler (correct)

What is the focus of the planning function in management?

Establishing managerial authority

Setting goals and selecting actions (correct)

Allocating resources

Motivating employees

Which statement reflects a common misconception about effective managers?

They rely solely on formal information systems. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of management involves dividing tasks and allocating resources?

Organising Signup and view all the answers

Which role corresponds to sharing information with employees inside the organization?

Disseminator Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered one of Mintzberg's managerial roles?

Administrator Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the control function in management?

Monitoring progress and taking corrective actions Signup and view all the answers

What was the main objective of Frederick Taylor's scientific management approach?

To maximize prosperity for both the employer and employees. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines the focus of the planning function in management?

Setting directions and objectives for the organization. Signup and view all the answers

What significant change did the Industrial Revolution bring to labor structure?

The transformation from skilled craftsmen to factory workers. Signup and view all the answers

How did scientific management propose to determine the 'one best way' to perform a task?

By developing a scientific analysis of tasks and their components. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a principle advocated by Frederick Taylor in scientific management?

Emphasis on employee engagement in decision-making processes. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the development of transportation and communications play during the Industrial Revolution?

It opened up new markets and facilitated greater consumption. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Taylor believe that a piece-rate system was effective?

It incentivized higher productivity by directly linking pay to output. Signup and view all the answers

What historical example illustrates the management principles used in past civilizations?

The construction of pyramids by the Egyptians. Signup and view all the answers

Which principle emphasizes the need for treating employees fairly within an organization?

Equity Signup and view all the answers

What does the principle of 'Unity of direction' indicate?

Organizational efforts must be coordinated towards the same objectives. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary criticism of Fayol's principles of management?

They are universally applicable without consideration of variations. Signup and view all the answers

Which principle advocates for minimizing turnover to ensure loyalty among employees?

Stability of tenure Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of administrative management acknowledges that it can be a profession?

Training and development Signup and view all the answers

What did Taylor advocate to enhance worker productivity?

Standardized tools and instruction cards Signup and view all the answers

According to the principles of bureaucracy by Max Weber, what is the primary basis for employee recruitment?

Technical qualifications Signup and view all the answers

Which factor was criticized as potentially detrimental to employee motivation in Taylor's approach?

Piece rate pay Signup and view all the answers

What was a major disadvantage of the bureaucratic system mentioned in the content?

Blind application of rules Signup and view all the answers

How did bureaucracy promote continuity within an organization?

By viewing managers as career professionals Signup and view all the answers

What outcome does the strict division of labor in bureaucracy often lead to for workers?

Routine and boredom Signup and view all the answers

What does the hierarchy in a bureaucratic structure imply?

Centralized authority at the top Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of Taylor's principles regarding management and workers?

Cooperation to ensure alignment in work Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Henry Mintzberg's 10 Common Managerial Roles

Interpersonal:
- Figurehead: Represents the organization externally
- Leader: Directs and coordinates employees
- Liaison: Deals with external parties
Informational:
- Monitor: Observes and gathers information
- Disseminator: Shares information internally
- Spokesperson: Communicates the organization's position
Decisional:
- Entrepreneur: Initiates new projects and changes
- Disturbance Handler: Solves unexpected problems
- Resource Allocator: Decides resource allocation
- Negotiator: Reaches agreements

Management Myths (Mintzberg)

Managers are action-oriented and work at a fast pace, with flexible plans.
Effective managers have regular duties (meetings, information gathering)
Senior managers need formal information systems, but often prefer informal information.
Management is a judgment-based practice rather than a science.

Management Functions

Planning and Decision Making: Setting goals, selecting actions to achieve them
Organizing: Dividing tasks, allocating resources, coordinating employees.

Leading

Induce individuals/groups to support goals through direction, motivation, communication, and employee selection, development, and rewards.

Controlling

Monitoring progress, ensuring goals are being met, taking necessary actions

Historical Management

Management concepts evident in ancient societies (Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Catholic Church)
Industrial Revolution increased productivity, economies of scale, and broader markets.

Classical Management Approaches: Scientific Management (Taylor)

One best way to perform a task through scientific methods
Focus on maximizing prosperity for both employer and employee, including better worker training.
Developed scientific tools and instruction for better output based on worker efficiency
Implemented piece rate system to motivate workers.

Classical Management Approaches: Administrative Management (Fayol)

Management as a profession that can be taught and developed.
Six essential areas of business activity: technical, commercial, financial, security, accounting, and managerial
Principles of Management (Division of labor, authority, discipline, unity of command, etc.)

Bureaucracy (Weber)

Division of labor: Tasks assigned to specialists.
Hierarchy: Clear authority structure.
Selection: Recruitment based on qualifications.
Formalization: Rules and procedures guide operations.
Impersonality: Rules apply equally to everyone.

Criticisms of the Approaches

Universal principles do not consider variations in technology, personnel, or environment.
Excessive rules can stifle productivity and creativity.

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Description

Explore the key concepts of Henry Mintzberg's managerial roles, including interpersonal, informational, and decisional functions. This quiz also challenges common myths about management, highlighting the realities of managerial practices and functions. Test your understanding of effective management strategies.