Question

Compare and contrast management and leadership functions and traits.

Answer 1

Management is nothing but ways by which a person manage people and control them in an organization. Manager is the one who is responsible for managing people. Leadership is nothing but the skills and ability of individual and organization to lead and guide others to meet the common goal. Leader is the one who lead and guide people.

The differences between management and leadership include: -

• In management, a manager control the employees whereas in leadership, a leader command the followers.
• In management, a manager is the one who give ideas to the organization whereas in leadership, a leader is the one who implement good ideas.
• Management focus on coping up with change whereas leadership work towards bringing change for betterment.
• In management, a manger shows direction to the team whereas in leadership, a leader work along with the team.
• In management, a manger has the power to make people work whereas in leadership, a leader help people to develop power.
• In management, a manger gives responsibility to the team and takes credit for good work of the team whereas in leadership, a leader takes responsibility for making the team to show good work.
• In management, a manager communicates with the team effectively whereas in leadership, a leader persuade the team effectively.
• In management, a manager focuses on maintaining the team spirit and cohesiveness whereas in leadership, a leader focuses on developing the team spirit and cohesiveness.
• In management, a manager provides short term views whereas in leadership, a leader focuses on long term perspective.
• In management, a manager control people whereas in leadership, a leader inspire people.
• In management, a manager focuses on doing things right whereas in leadership, a leader focuses on doing the right things.
• Policies and procedures are formulated in management whereas principles and guidelines are formulated in leadership.

The similarities between a manger and a leader include:-

• Both management and leadership work towards achieving the organizational goal.
• Both management and leadership deal with people so that they can work collaboratively.
• Both management and leadership focus on motivating employees.
• Providing job satisfaction to employees are important for both management and leadership.
• management and leadership focus on creating positive work environment.
• Both management and leadership conduct formal and informal team meeting so that members can share views, thoughts, etc.
• Both management and leadership focus on enhancing the skills of employees by conducting training and development program.