Functional Roles of Managers - Essay Example

Running head: Role of Teams. "Teams are not effective or effective!" Ref: "Teams are not effective or effective!" Leadership is the process of offering guidance in an organization with an aim of achieving efficiency and a sense of direction amongst employees. In most organizations, the concept of team work is highly valued; its relevance is evident in respect to the associated benefits. In the entire universe, the greatest success strategy for survival or/ and success are team works. From reproduction to defense, different species depend on strong and compatible teams for success.

Teams bring about synergy in tackling challenging tasks; in addition, a sense of trustworthiness is created in organizations when employees are left to function in team environments. (Shonk, James' 1992) noted that, the key advantage in team work is the effect it has on boosting the motivation and morale of employees. Leadership styles. A leadership style is defined as the manner and approach of providing direction, implementing an organization's plans, and motivating the employees (Shonk, James, 1992).

Types of leadership styles. Authoritarian or autocratic style. Participative or democratic style. Delegative or the free reign style. Autocratic approach. This is the type of style in which, a leader instructs employees of what is to be done without leaving a room for deliberations. It is criticized for being non participatory but if well utilized it is a source of effectiveness in work Democratic approach. This is a consultitative approach in which the leader involves the employees in making decisions.

Although the leader has the final authority for decision making, it is usually a participatory style. It is a kind of leadership very popular amongst employees. Delegative approach. It is a style whereby employees are decision makers. It is appropriate, when there are job situations needing analysis and therefore requiring employees to make contributions. It works well in cases when the leader has trust in the employees. The ideal leadership style. In practice, there is no a 'fit all' style and good leaders therefore are required to employ all the above three styles depending on what particular situations demand.

For instance it is widely recommended that for new employees getting into the system, the authoritarian style works. The participative style is seen to be very efficient for teams whereby the leadership wishes to tap employees' expertise in solving some problems. Finally the democratic style is applicable in situations requiring professional expertise and the assumption here is that every one knows what is expected of them and are responsible enough to function without coercion. In deciding the right leadership style, (Shonk, James, 1992) suggested that a manager should always bear in mind the following ; availability of time, organizational conflicts and the level of expertise amongst employees.

Functional roles of managers Managers drive business and therefore are tasked with ensuring that set standards are adhered to by all employees. This involves guiding the entire organizations operations within the set operational limits. It is also the mandate of managers to make right decisions which are in line with organizations objectives. Finally, managers are responsible for organizational behavior change and are required to guide the employees' in al interactions within the organization.

Teams are only successful when provided with specific, measurable objectives, and clearly defined deliverables (Shonk, James, 1992). The ideal team "is the small team with specific objective's to meet" Shonk, James, 1992. (p.234). Failure of teams mostly stems from poor leadership styles. Styles are based on a combination of the individuals preferences, beliefs and values and the organizational culture and leaders should be skilled to combine all of the above and tap the potential in team work.

References Shonk, James H. (1992). Team-Based Organizations: Developing a Successful Team Environment. Homewood, IL. Business One Irwin.