Management and leadership

Essay by dumdum May 2007

download word file, 4 pages 4.0 1 reviews

Management and Leadership: Two Different ThingsManagement and leadership are two words that are considered synonymous but describe two different concepts. According to the Wordnet.com, management is the act, manner, or practice of managing, handling, supervision, or control; leadership is the capacity or ability to lead. In many organizations, management is a job description; leadership is a positive trait. The purpose of this paper is to distinguish between the two, to look at the responsibilities that come with leadership, and make suggestions about creating and maintaining a healthy organizational culture.

Management is "the process of working with people and resources to accomplish organizational goals" (Bateman-Snell, 2003, p. 14). Management is a theory and a way of doing business. Management is a process that is exercised in order for an organization to be successful. This process is usually broken down into four established functions: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling (Bateman-Snell, 2003, p.

14). The people within an organization that practice management are called managers.

Managers are "principally administrators-they write business plans, set budgets and monitor progress" (Maccoby, 2000, Para 1). Other tasks handled by managers are problem-solving and facilitating meetings. Managers usually achieve their position through experience and understanding. A manager obtains authority through time and loyalty. A manager knows how the organization works and may also possess a good technical knowledge. People follow a manager because as employees, they are forced to, but preferably "a manager is also a leader that people want to follow" (Maccoby, 2000, Para 8).

Leadership is "one of the many assets a successful manager must possess" (The Difference, 1997, Para 2). While management can be considered a position, leadership can be considered a relationship. Leadership is the connection between the leader and the led that makes management successful. This connection can strengthen the organization and make...