Interview a manager (this can be a parent, friend's parent, university administrator - just make sure the person you interview manages other people as a key part of their job.) You don't need to report the name or the company the work for, just write down the industry and number of employees. Ask the manager to rate the degree to which they engage in the roles shown in the table below using the following scale:

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7+times/week

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Never Sometimes Frequently Daily or More

Then based on the results, answer the following questions:

1. What were the roles that were most frequently played by the manager you interviewed? Were you surprised by the result?

Use correct/appropriate terminology when reporting results.

2. Were there any roes that the manager you interviewed that were never (or rarely)played? If so, why do you think this was the case?

Distinguish the various roles managers play and how these tie into job and/or workplace design.

3. Do you think your results might be different if you interviewed a manager in a different industry? Why or why not?

TABLE 1.4 Nature of Mintzberg's Managerial Roles Category Role Nature of Role Interpersonal Roles Figurehead As a symbol of legal authority, performing certain ceremonial duties (e.g., signing documents and receiving visitors). Interpersonal Roles Leader Motivating subordinates to get the job done properly. Interpersonal Roles Liaison Serving as a link in a horizontal (as well as vertical) chain of communication. Informational Roles Nerve Center Serving as a focal point for nonroutine information; receiving all types of information. Informational Roles Disseminator Transmitting selected information to subordinates. Informational Roles Spokesperson Transmitting selected information to outsiders. Decisional Roles Entrepreneur Designing and initiating changes within the organization. Decisional Roles Disturbance Handler Taking corrective action in nonroutine situations. Decisional Roles Resource Allocater Deciding exactly who should get what resources. Decisional Roles Negotiator Participating in negotiating sessions with other parties (e.g., vendors and unions) to make sure the organization's interests are adequately represented. Source: Adapted from Dunphy, S. M., & Meyer, D. (2002). Entrepreneur or manager? A discriminant analysis based on Mintzberg's managerial roles. Journal of Business and Entrepreneurship, 14(2), 17-37