Effective Leadership Styles and Management Functions

Effective Leadership Styles and McGregor's Theory

There are different styles of direction and leadership. Depending on how people are directed, you can increase or decrease the performance of those under your command. These styles are situated at two outer limits: firstly, the more authoritarian style, and on the other hand, the democratic style. One must find a mixed style of directing.

Douglas McGregor studied the behavior of managers and noticed that it depended on the vision they held regarding their workers. From this study, he identified two positions:

• Theory X: Workers have an aversion to work, considering it an evil to be endured. As a consequence, they perform at a minimum. They lack ambition for work or responsibilities; instead, they resist change and prefer to be told what to do.
• Theory Y: According to this theory and its methods, it encourages the desire to work and helps employees achieve their goals.

The Control Function in Business

The control function consists of verifying that everything goes as planned during the planning phase, both in general terms and regarding specific sub-objectives.

Stages and Techniques of Control

The main stages are intended to set standards, measure performance, and correct any deviations obtained. Different control techniques include auditing, budget control, and statistics.

Management Functions and Organizational Levels

To manage is to try to get the people within the company to perform the tasks necessary to achieve the set objectives. Management levels in a company are represented as a pyramid, divided into three levels:

• Top Management: Located at the top of the pyramid, where senior company officials are found. They plan for the long term, are responsible for compliance with objectives, and supervise the overall operation of the company.
• Middle Management: Responsible for the implementation and monitoring of overall planning. They conduct more specific plans and act as department chiefs.
• Operational Level: This is the management level where managers have direct responsibility for implementing plans and assigning tasks to workers.

Key Responsibilities of a Manager

The functions of a manager include:

• Choosing the tasks to be performed.
• Transmitting these tasks to the workers under their charge.
• Instructing workers so they can perform tasks with the correct methods and procedures.
• Creating favorable working conditions in order to motivate workers.