Management Roles

Managers have a set of distinct roles. A role is a set of expectations of how one will behave in a given situation. Henry Mintzberg identified 10 roles that managers play as they accomplish management functions. Mintzberg grouped these 10 roles into three management role categories: interpersonal, informational, and decisional roles.

When managers play interpersonal roles, they use their interpersonal skills as they perform management functions. Managers play the figurehead role when they represent the organization or department in ceremonial and symbolic activities. Managers play the leader role when they motivate, train, communicate with, and influence others.

Managers play the liaison role when they interact with people outside of their unit to gain information and favors. When managers play informational roles, they use their interpersonal skills. Managers play the monitor role when they read and talk to others to receive information. Managers play the disseminator role when they send information to others.

Managers play the spokesperson role when they provide information to people outside the organization. When managers play decisional roles, they use their conceptual decision-making management skills. Managers play the entrepreneur role when they innovate and initiate improvements. Managers play the disturbance-handler role when they take corrective action during disputes or crisis situations.