Human resources

Table of Contents

1. Topic pack - introduction
2. 2.1 Human Resource Planning - Notes
3. 2.1 Human resource planning - questions
4. 2.2 Organisational structure - notes
5. 2.2 Organisational structure - questions
6. 2.3 Communication - notes
7. 2.3 Communication - questions
8. 2.4 Leadership and management - notes
9. 2.4 Leadership and management - questions
   1. The loneliness of management
   2. Genghis Khan style management
   3. Professionalizing Family Businesses
   4. Management by objectives
   5. Leadership styles - short answer questions
   6. Leadership and management styles - case study
10. 2.5 Motivation - notes
11. 2.5 Motivation - questions
12. 2.5 Motivation - simulations and activities
13. 2.6 Organisational and corporate cultures - notes (HL only)
14. 2.6 Organisational and corporate cultures - questions
15. 2.7 Employer and employee relations - notes (HL only)
16. 2.7 Employer and employee relations - questions
17. 2.8 Crisis management and contingency planning - notes
18. 2.8 Crisis management and contingency planning - questions
19. Printable version

Leadership and management styles - case study

Is everyone now a player manager?

Though this term is normally associated with sport and especially football it is beginning to become common parlance in the world of business. With leaner management systems now the norm and with employees being developed to have highly valued skills the day of the 'manager' might be numbered.

Those with the skills to perform specialist functions within a business are also expected to acquire the ability to manage. What are being called 'player managers' are having to perform both their production-based responsibilities and illustrate management capabilities as well. With time constraints and the need to put shareholder value at the top of their list of priorities many are adopting an autocratic style. They might want to be consultative, but time simply won't allow it.

Within an increasing number of organisations the move is for groups of 'knowledge workers' to be responsible to a player manager. Perhaps one day they will be left alone to manage their own affairs?

Question 1

Explain the term 'consultative'.

Question 2

Analyse the reasons why the consultative style may be giving way to a more autocratic way of managing.

Question 3

Discuss the benefits that might arise from adopting more team-based ways of working.