Management Skills: Leadership & Motivation Summary

Notes
Management involves getting the best out of people, managers
must use the management skills of leading, motivating and
communication.
Leading
Setting an example:
A leader should be clearly visible in the organisation, a role
model, setting an example of what is required of subordinates
in terms of behaviour.
Direction:
Directing staff by guiding them on the right course so that
everyone co-operates and works together to achieve the goals
of the organisation.
Delegation:
Delegation involves the passing of authority from a
manager to a subordinate, to undertake specific work.
The manager must ensure that the person to whom the
task is delegated has the necessary skills, and is provided
with the necessary resources to complete the task.
The ultimate responsibility for the task remains with the
manager.
Advantages of delegation:
More efficient completion of projects, as manager is not
required to do all the work.
Task may be completed to a higher standard because the
subordinate is accountable for performing the work and
the results achieved.
Managers can prioritise tasks, and by delegating the less
important work manager can have more time to deal with
the important tasks.
Styles of leadership
Authoritarian Leadership:

 No consultation with subordinates.

All major decisions are made by the leader, orders are
issued and expected to be obeyed without question.
There is little delegation of tasks to subordinates.

Democratic Leadership:
Leader consults subordinates and seeks their opinions,
and encourage their participation in decision-making and
problem solving.
Leader delegates authority and responsibility as he/she
trusts staff to do the work.
Laissez-faire leadership:
The leader sets the objectives and subordinate must
decide how to achieve them.
The manager provides little or no direction and gives
employees as much freedom as possible.
Importance of effective leadership in an organisation:
An effective leader delegates tasks to employees staff
are trusted and more involved in the business.
An effective leader sets in example of what is required by
subordinates in an organisation.
An effective leader gives clear directions to employees.
They know exactly what is required of them in the
organisation.
Motivating
Theories of motivation:
Many theories have been developed over the years to help
management identify how best to motivate people. There are
two main theories of motivation on how to motivate employees:
Maslows hierarchy of needs:
According to Maslow, most people are motivated by a desire to
satisfy a group of five specific needs.
Self-actualisation - The need to reach ones full potential.

Esteem the need for recognition and respect from others.

Social the need for interaction with other people. Being part
of a group, friendship.
Safety Safety and security needs, house, family.
Physiological Most basic survival needs, food, water, shelter.
McGregors Theory X and Theory Y
McGregor examined behaviour of individuals at work and what
management believe about employees and formulated two
theories called Theory X and Theory Y.
Characteristics of Theory X manager
Manager controls employees possible conflict between
management and employees.
Employees are unlikely to use own initiative.
No consultation in decision-making.
Characteristics of Theory Y manager

Manager delegates work.

Employees given extra responsibilities
Employees participation in decision-making
Employees more co-operative and motivated

Importance of motivation in business

Motivated employees will work hard for the success of the
business, productivity is improved.
Motivated employees are more likely to be more
innovative and creative, coming up with new ideas to help
the business.
Motivated employees create a positive atmosphere in the
workplace. Morale is higher with less industrial relations
problems.