The Developing Manager

Assignment Brief

Unit 7: The Developing Manager  

LO1 Understand principles and practices of management behaviour	1.1  compare different management styles 1.2  discuss leadership characteristics 1.3 evaluate communication processes in selected businesses 1.4 analyse organisational culture and change in selected businesses
LO2 Be able to review own potential as prospective manager	2.1  assess own management skills performance 2.2  analyse personal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats 2.3  set and prioritise objectives and targets to develop own potential
LO3 Bе able to show managerial skills within a business sand services context	3.1  lead and motivate a tea m to achieve a n agreed goal or objective 3.2  justify managerial decisions made to support achievement of agreed goal or objective and recommendations for improvements
LO4 Bе able to create a career development plantar employment within a business and services content	4.1 explain how own managerial and personal skills will support career development 4.2 review career and personal development reeds, current performance- and future needs to produce development plan

Sample Answer

Introduction

A manager plays a crucial role in the success of a business. This assignment explores the principles and practices of management behaviour, assesses personal managerial potential, demonstrates managerial skills in a practical context, and develops a career development plan. It draws on selected businesses to evaluate how effective management styles, leadership, communication, and culture can shape organisational success.

LO1: Understand Principles and Practices of Management Behaviour

1.1 Compare Different Management Styles

There are several types of management styles, each suited to different situations. For example:

• Autocratic: The manager makes decisions alone. This style is useful in urgent situations but may reduce employee motivation.

• Democratic: Employees are involved in decision-making. This promotes creativity and engagement but may be time-consuming.

• Laissez-faire: Employees are given autonomy. It works well with highly skilled staff but may lead to lack of direction.

In practice, businesses like Google use democratic and transformational management styles to encourage innovation. In contrast, Amazon often applies a more directive approach to meet strict targets and efficiency.

1.2 Discuss Leadership Characteristics

Effective leaders have certain traits such as:

• Vision – Clear sense of direction.

• Empathy – Understanding team needs.

• Decision-making – Quick and informed choices.

• Integrity – Honest and trustworthy.

• Resilience – Ability to adapt to pressure.

For example, Tim Cook (Apple) is known for calm, data-driven leadership, while Elon Musk (Tesla) uses visionary leadership to drive change.

1.3 Evaluate Communication Processes in Selected Businesses

Communication is key in any business. Internal communication (emails, meetings, intranet) and external communication (marketing, public relations) should be clear and effective.

For instance, Tesco uses multiple channels like newsletters and intranet to keep employees informed, while also using social media and customer service platforms to interact externally. Barriers such as poor feedback mechanisms or unclear messages can cause conflict and confusion.

1.4 Analyse Organisational Culture and Change

Organisational culture includes values, beliefs, and behaviours shared within a company. A strong culture improves morale and productivity. Change, however, can disrupt this.

For example, when Nokia tried to adapt to the smartphone market, poor internal culture and resistance to change contributed to its decline. In contrast, Netflix embraces innovation and has a flexible culture that supports constant change.

LO2: Be Able to Review Own Potential as Prospective Manager

2.1 Assess Own Management Skills Performance

I have moderate skills in areas such as:

• Teamwork – I work well with others and contribute ideas.

• Time Management – I meet deadlines but need to prioritise better.

• Communication – I am confident when speaking but could improve active listening.

• Decision-making – I can make decisions under pressure but sometimes lack confidence.

2.2 Analyse Personal Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT)

2.3 Set and Prioritise Objectives and Targets

• Short-term: Complete leadership training and improve time management (within 3 months).

• Mid-term: Take a supervisory role or lead a small project (within 6 months).

• Long-term: Apply for a managerial position and complete a relevant qualification (within 12–18 months).

Continued...