Managers and Leaders : Are They Different?

 Leader and manager are often used interchangeably by many, as there is a common misconception that leaders are similar to managers.  There are many arguments governing this aspect in which some researchers agree that leadership and management are two contrasting styles of employee management (Kumle and Kelly, 2000)  while others argue that  these two concepts are two sides of the same coin (Bryman, 1992) each consisting of its own way of managing. According to Zaleznik (1977) identified that managers and leaders’ difference is found in the psyche and perspective of the two concepts. 

Managers are responsible for directing and monitoring their subordinates towards organizational goals and objectives (Mintzberg, 1973).  It is a concept that involves task control over employees with very little room for decision making by the subordinates. Managers are highly task oriented and ensure order and consistency is maintained within an organization through the power achived by the organizational hierachy (Northouse, 2015). 

Leaders on the other hand envisages a vision for their follows to work towards and inspires them to accomplish their goals and objectives. Leaders do not just give commands to their followers but they work together with coordination and collaboration while encouraging, guiding and appreciating their team efforts. (Zimmerman, E.L, 2001).  A leader focuses on the emotional aspects of his/her followers and focuses on developing and encouraging them to do better. Leaders accomplishes this not by depending on power  but through guiding, giving feedback and appreciation (Zimmerman, E.L, 2001). 

	Leader	Manager
Definition	Process Oriented	Task Oriented
Outcomes	Systematic change, transformation	Efficiency and Effectiveness
Characteristics	Critical Thinker, innovator, creative, courageous, forward thinking	Efficient, detail oriented, a good delegator, organized, persistent, administrative
Interaction	Motivates and inspires	Focus on individual performance and final outcomes

However, management and leadership are two concepts that are critical for organizational success.  Although, leadership consists of managerial functions, a manager who does not possess leadership skills is likely to fail as motivation of followers, creativity and the ability to understand people cannot be done without leadership (Northouse, 2015).  Therefore, it is important that individuals collectively utilize the best foundations of both concepts to perform  optimally (Zimmerman, 2001).   

References

Bryman, A. (1992). Charisma and leadership in organizations,Sage, London, and New York

MINTZBERG, H. (1973). The nature of managerial work. New York, Harper & Row

Northouse, P. G. (2015). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.

Kumle, J., and Kelly, N. J. (1999). “Leadership versus management.” Supervision,61(4), 8–10

Zaleznik, A. (1977). “Managers and leaders: Are they different?” Harvard Bus. Rev.,55(3), 67–78

Zimmerman, E. L. (2001). What’s under the hood? the mechanics of leadership versus management. SuperVision, 62(8), 10-12. [Online]. Available at: http://ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/docview/195597976?accountid=13158 (Accessed 08 November 2020)