Management vs. Leadership Essay

Words: 970
Pages: 4

MANAGEMENT VS. LEADERSHIP

Management and leadership have many similarities, yet there are many differences that separate a manager from a leader. Merriam-Webster defines leadership simply as "the office or position of a leader," "the capacity to lead," or "the act or an instance of leading." They also define manager as "a person who conducts business or household affairs," "a person whose work or profession is management," or "a person who directs a team…" However, Merriam and Webster do not define "leadership" as it should be. A leader must ensure a healthy organizational structure, as does a manager, but there is more to being a leader than conducting business or household affairs. Although both roles require similar skills
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Leaders maintain healthy organizations by inspiring members to develop themselves as individuals and professionals. True leaders motivate followers to develop personal skills that will promote effectiveness and efficiency within the organization and themselves. While managers expect employees to perform according to policy and procedure, leaders motivate employees to exceed expectations.

Recommendations for a healthy organizational culture. A leader can create and maintain a healthy organizational culture by acquiring and maintaining "idealized influence." Idealized influence refers to the "socialized charisma of the leader, whether the leader is perceived as being confident and powerful, and whether the leader is viewed as focusing on higher-order ideals and ethics" (Loperena, 2006, p37). When a leader is perceived as confident, powerful, and focused on the ideals and ethics of the organization, followers tend to trust and respect that leader more than one that does not exemplify confidence, power, and focus. A person may be born with these attributes, but they must be developed in order to be effective. Transactional leadership can most definitely contribute to a healthy organizational culture. By recognizing efforts put forth by members and rewarding their accomplishments, a leader can inspire followers to further develop themselves and the organization