High Performance Management

In 2006 I carried out some research as part of my MBA to determine whether an individual could be both a leader and a manager (L+M) in today’s working environment? In addition, I also wanted to find out which of the three various management approaches (leader, manager or leader-manager) would most inspire employees?

Abstract

This dissertation research project examined the changes in management approaches over the last 30 odd years. It begins by setting the scene and explaining some of the trends that have caused the various changes over time. A detailed literature review was then conducted to evaluate and compare a variety of views of authors such as Zaleznik, Kotter, Mintzberg and the more recent views of Turk to name a few. During this review, an analysis of the differences between traits of leaders and managers was investigated. The various views were then critiqued and summarised.

A set of objective questions were then formulated with the aim of answering them during this research. The main question posed is whether an individual can be a manager and a leader in today’s working environment; a leader-manager. In order to reduce the complexity of the study, a small medium enterprise (SME), who we will call Kin Media Ltd for various reasons was selected as the subject organisation of this investigation with its senior management team being the main candidates. Additional objectives were also formulated to determine what approach each of the senior managers practiced. The leader/manager balance of the company is also investigated followed by an investigation into how satisfied and inspired employees were inside this organisation. And finally, the research also intended to find out which of the three various management approaches (leader, manager or leader-manager) would most inspire employees.

With these objectives in mind, a methodology was then developed to determine the best method of researching. Various instruments were evaluated before part of an instrument borne out of Eicher’s work was used to carry out the data collection and analysis.

The surveys were carried out before the data was collected and arranged into a legible form so that they could be analysed and interrogated. From these results further analysis of the literature took place, questions were answered and a conclusion drawn.