Explain Mintzberg's managerial roles with examples.
How to lay out the answer. Follow the frame, then write it in your own words.
1 · Introduce the study. Henry Mintzberg watched managers at work and grouped what they actually do into ten roles in three groups.
2 · Interpersonal roles.
Figurehead: ceremonial and legal duties.
Leader: hiring, training, motivating.
Liaison: a network of outside contacts.
3 · Informational roles.
Monitor: collecting information.
Disseminator: passing it to staff.
Spokesperson: speaking for the organization to outsiders.
4 · Decisional roles.
Entrepreneur: starting improvement projects.
Disturbance handler: dealing with crises.
Resource allocator: deciding who gets what.
Negotiator: bargaining with unions and suppliers.
5 · Show a summary table. [Table: group, role, one-line example]
6 · Note how the mix varies. Top managers spend more time as figurehead, liaison and spokesperson; lower-level managers spend more time in the leader role.
7 · In Sri Lankan business. A Cargills regional manager negotiates with suppliers, handles a cold-room breakdown and briefs staff on new prices.
8 · Close. The roles show that management is a mix of people, information and decisions.
Scoring tip: Write the three group names as headings and give every role a one-line example. A table saves time.
