Management Process - 4 Functions of Management & Mintzberg's 10 Managerial Roles

Define each of the four functions of management and Mintzberg’s ten managerial roles. Describe how Mintzberg’s managerial roles might be used in performing the four functions of management.

Ans:   

The four functions of management are planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. Planning is the process of setting objectives and determining what actions should be taken to accomplish them. Organizing is the process of assigning tasks, allocating resources, and arranging and coordinating the activities of individuals and groups to implement plans. Leading is the process of arousing people’s enthusiasm to work hard and direct their efforts to fulfill plans and accomplish objectives. Controlling is the process of measuring work performance, comparing results to objectives, and taking corrective action as needed. 

Mintzberg’s managerial roles include the following: (a) interpersonal roles (figurehead, leader, and liaison) involve interactions with people inside and outside the work unit; (b) informational roles (monitor, disseminator, and spokesperson) involve giving, receiving, and analyzing information; and (c) decisional roles (entrepreneur, disturbance handler, resource allocator, and negotiator) involve using information to make decisions, solve problems, or address opportunities.

While all ten managerial roles might be used at one time or another in performing each of the four functions of management, many of them are more likely to be used in carrying out certain managerial functions. The entrepreneurial role, for instance, is closely linked to the managerial function of planning. In this role, direction is being set for the organization. The liaison, disseminator, and resource allocator roles are closely associated with organizing. The figurehead, leader, and spokesperson roles are closely aligned with leading. The monitor role is related primarily to controlling.

Source: Management, 11th Edition - John R. Schermerhorn