Week 3 Managerial Roles Q.1 (30 Points) After Reading Mintz ✓ Solved

Week 3 Managerial Roles Q.1 (30 Points) After Reading Mintzberg's

After reading Mintzberg's managerial roles (Ferrell et al., Chapter 6), choose only one of the three roles. Choose an organization with which you interact on a regular basis. This organization can be your place of employment, local supermarket, church, school, or any other type of retailer. Noticeable organizations, such as public corporations, will not be considered for this activity. In your response, address the following: Introduce the organization. Identify at least three specific managerial activities associated with these roles at the three managerial levels described in this Week's lessons.

Paper For Above Instructions

In the realm of managerial roles, Henry Mintzberg identified ten roles that managers typically play, which can be categorized into three main groups: interpersonal, informational, and decisional. For this paper, I will focus on the Interpersonal Role, highlighting its significance in a local supermarket, which serves as an excellent example of a business that utilizes interpersonal management activities to function smoothly. The chosen supermarket is 'Fresh Mart,' a community-based grocery store that emphasizes customer service, local sourcing of products, and community engagement. Within Fresh Mart, as a local grocer, managers embody the interpersonal role primarily through their engagements with employees, customers, and suppliers.

The first major activity associated with the interpersonal role at the managerial level is that of figurehead. In this capacity, store managers are responsible for representing the store in various meetings and public events, serving as a face for the supermarket. This can include attending local fairs and participating in community outreach programs to promote the store's offerings. Through these actions, the manager builds goodwill in the community and establishes the supermarket as a trustworthy and integral part of local life.

The second activity is that of leader, which is pivotal in nurturing the staff and fostering a positive workplace culture. The manager conducts regular staff meetings, offers constructive feedback, and sets the tone for a collaborative and respectful work environment. By doing so, they ensure that all employees are engaged, informed, and motivated to deliver excellent customer service. A proactive approach to employee management can, therefore, have a direct impact on team performance and overall customer satisfaction.

Finally, as liaison, the manager connects with external parties, including suppliers and local businesses, to negotiate terms and arrange product displays. This relationship-building not only ensures a steady supply of goods but also fosters new partnerships that can benefit the supermarket. By engaging in regular communications and maintaining a network of contacts, the manager enhances the supermarket’s operational efficiency and market reputation.

In summary, the interpersonal managerial role is essential in Fresh Mart as it directly influences employee satisfaction, customer experiences, and supplier relations. The figurehead, leader, and liaison activities exemplify how management is not just a position but a function that requires strong relational skills to achieve organizational goals.

The next part of the assignment involves addressing the individual case study related to "Building a Strong and Healthy Business," focusing on the managerial skills of Daris Wilson, founder of JCF Health and Fitness, as outlined in Ferrell et al. (2020). The case study explores how Mr. Wilson applies technical, conceptual, analytical, and human relations skills in his role as a business entrepreneur.

To summarize the case: JCF Health and Fitness offers a unique blend of personal training services and community health initiatives. The case study emphasizes how Wilson's background in sports science and his previous managerial experiences play a crucial role in shaping the company’s philosophy and operational strategy. Wilson’s technical skills are showcased through his ability to develop effective fitness programs based on current health trends. Conceptually, he identifies areas for growth, such as expanding to online fitness classes, aligning with the demand for digital solutions post-pandemic.

Analytically, Wilson utilizes data from customer feedback to refine services continuously. For instance, he implemented a member satisfaction survey that provided insights into clients’ needs and preferences, allowing for more personalized service offerings. Finally, his human relations skills enable him to lead a diverse team effectively. By conducting regular training sessions and creating an inclusive environment, he fosters employee satisfaction and enhances team performance, which is vital for customer retention.

Regarding Wilson’s four functions of management: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling, he demonstrates detailed activities in each. When planning, he sets annual goals for membership growth and revenue targets, establishing actionable strategies to achieve these objectives. For organizing, he allocates resources effectively by ensuring that trainers are scheduled according to peak hours and that the facility is supplied with the necessary equipment and materials.

In leading, Wilson conducts motivational workshops for employees, aiming to inspire a shared vision and commitment to the company’s goals. Finally, in controlling, he consistently monitors key performance indicators (KPIs), such as member retention rates and customer satisfaction levels, analyzing results to formulate improvements and tackle any arising challenges.

Considering the historic context of JCF Health and Fitness, a significant decision to improve the organization could involve expanding its online presence. Given the shifts in consumer behavior towards digital services, Wilson could decide to invest in an online platform for virtual workouts and wellness programs. Using a structured decision-making process, the first step would involve identifying the need to adapt to online platforms in response to changing client preferences.

Next, Wilson would gather and analyze data regarding potential costs and resources required for implementation, comparing it with projections of expected member growth due to the new services. The subsequent steps would include evaluating alternatives, selecting the best course of action—to launch a user-friendly app for home workouts and dietary plans, and finally, implementing and monitoring the results to assess effectiveness.

In conclusion, the managerial concepts discussed throughout this paper illustrate the importance of well-rounded management capabilities. By employing interpersonal techniques at Fresh Mart, the manager not only enhances the immediate work environment but also positively impacts community relations. Daris Wilson's role at JCF Health and Fitness demonstrates how essential managerial functions can drive business success, particularly in adapting to modern trends and responding to customer needs effectively. Managers play a critical role in navigating their organizations through challenges by leveraging their unique skills and competencies.

References

• Ferrell, O. C., Hirt, G. A., & Ferrell, L. (2020). Business: A Changing World. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Mintzberg, H. (1973). The Nature of Managerial Work. Harper & Row.
• Katz, R. L. (1974). Skills of an Effective Administrator. Harvard Business Review.
• Robinson, S. P., & Judge, T. A. (2019). Organizational Behavior. Pearson.
• Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Bantam Books.
• Daft, R. L. (2018). Management. Cengage Learning.
• Mintzberg, H. (2005). Managers Not MBAs: A Hard Look at the Soft Practice of Managing and Management Development. Berrett-Koehler Publishers.
• Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Sage Publications.
• Robinson, S. P., Judge, T. A., & Judge, T. A. (2021). Organizational Behavior. Pearson Education.
• Pearce, J. A., & Robinson, R. B. (2019). Strategic Management: Planning for Domestic & Global Competition. McGraw-Hill Education.