by Elaine Sihera

Created on: July 11, 2009   Last Updated: January 17, 2010

In the simplest explanation, managers are key bridges within organisations. They are the essential links between senior executives and the other employees and, as such, play a pivotal role in the smooth running of any establishment. They are also the gatekeepers and guardians of corporate ethos and reputation as demonstrated through three key roles: interpersonal, informational and decision making.

Interpersonal

Routine liaison between individuals and teams to ensure a cohesive whole is usually at the heart of good management. It is their primary task to ensure their capability in managing others delivers the objectives for the business or corporation. Managers have to liaise with all sections of the workforce to execute their jobs efficiently, thus considerable people skills are always required in such key positions. Ensuring task allocation for staff and the efficient execution of those tasks would be important duties of any frontline manager.

Informational

The manager is, first and foremost, a disseminator of information -– the main spokesperson within a department or business. The primary role of the manager is to ensure smooth and effective communication in every aspect of the working environment, especially in larger establishments where the message can easily get lost within and between departments.  It is his/her role to ensure that teams are working cohesively for a common goal, individuals are fully aware of their tasks and responsibilities and there is general oversight and awareness of the workings of all the disparate elements involved. Controlling information in ways which can be used to achieve corporate objectives is a key managerial task, both in giving directives, ensuring their appreciation and monitoring their progress.

Decision Making

This is the most important role of the manager which stems from the authority invested in him/her by the employers. Roles that are at the forefront of the decision making process involve being a negotiator, especially in tricky situations where conflict resolution is required, and being a resource allocator: having the power to allocate resources where they see fit. However, this can often be a cause of resentment or jealousy, especially among staff who do not feel they have been fairly distributed. It is also a major managerial task to grow the business through ensuring entrepreneurial objectives are achieved and many managers soon find that their own position in the organisation hinge on the successful growth of it.

Within those three major roles, managers are expected to lead staff productively, plan strategy and outcomes, organise resources and work roles, as well as to identify efficient ways to get the most beneficial results. Finally, they are responsible for co-ordinating and controlling the processes by which the desired outcomes can ultimately be realised.

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