Chapter 1: Managers and You in the Workplace (Part 1)

Question 1

Who are managers?

Answer 1

A manager is someone who coordinates and oversees the work of other people so that organisational goals can be accomplished.

• coordinates: liaise with different people
• oversees: oversees work, provides guidance, trains people, problem solver, motivator
• people: subordinates
• organisational goals: requires the help of colleagues & subordinates

Question 2

What are the 4 different levels of management?

Answer 2

• Top managers
• Middle managers
• First-line managers
• Non-managerial employees

Question 3

Who are Top managers?

Answer 3

At or near the upper level of the organisation.
(CEO, Managing director, President of a company)

Make organisation-wide decisions, set goals and plans that affect the entire organisation.
(Making decisions if need to diversify into new markets or deciding whether to close a branch which is not making money)

Question 4

Who are Middle managers?

Answer 4

Between the top level and lowest level of management.
(Head of Marketing department)

Manage the work of first-line managers.
- Links between Top and First line managers

Question 5

Who are First-line managers?

Answer 5

Lowest level of management.
(Managers, Supervisor & Assistant Manager)

Manage work of non-managerial employees.
(Logistics manager responsible for managing work of warehouse team.)
E.g: Warehouse team as there is no staff reporting to them.

Question 6

Where do managers work?

Answer 6

Organisations

Question 7

What are the characteristics of organisations?

Answer 7

1) Distinct purpose:
Products and services provided by the company.

e.g: Microsoft: develops, manufactures, licenses, supports and sells computer software, consumer electronics and personal computers and services.

2) Compose of people:
Number of employees the organisation has

Microsoft has over 850 employees.

3) Deliberate structure:
Organisation structure i.e. number of departments, levels, who report to who, etc

Question 8

Efficiency versus Effectiveness? What are the meanings of each word?

Answer 8

Efficiency: Refers to doing things right, or getting the most output from the least amount of inputs.

Input: time, money, manpower, resources, land & etc

Output: outcomes, goals, targets, revenues, sales, profits & etc

Effectiveness: Refers to doing the right things, or completing activities so that organizational goals are attained.