Between Management and Leadership—A Comparative Study with Reference to (Sheikh Zayed AL Nahyan and Nelson Mandela)

Dalia Mohamed Mostafa Mabrouk

doi:10.4236/jss.2018.69003

Abstract

In this paper, I am reflecting on Abraham Zaleznik’s paper “managers and leaders: are they different?” He was a prominent Harvard business school professor who attacked management style for depending only on rationality and achieving goals. He believed that managers and leaders are totally different persons. He described managers as inscrutable, detached and manipulative. Plus, while managers are interested in control and how things are done, leaders are more concerned with ideas and innovation. I try to probe into various questions related to both management and leadership to approach a clearer opinion for these inquires: do managers and leaders really have completely different personalities? Or are they both competing for the same target of getting work done through people? Is management upgradable with more knowledge and hard work? Are leaders more empathetic than managers? What makes managers inscrutable and manipulative? Is this innate or acquired? In which way leaders are different? Seems a huge task but I will tackle this issue by conducting a comparative study among two prominent figures as Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan and Nelson Mandela. I will trace some points of similarities and differentiations based on the timeless lessons from their life stories that will endure for years to come. Both were gifted visionary individuals who exercised full range of cognitive, emotional and behavioral abilities to bring about profound change in their countries.

Highlights

I have noticed throughout my reading in this specific topic that a determined distinction between managers and leaders is being prolifically conducted
I try to probe into various questions related to both management and leadership to approach a clearer opinion for these inquires: do managers and leaders really have completely different personalities? Or are they both competing for the same target of getting work done through people? Is management upgradable with more knowledge and hard work? Are leaders more empathetic than managers? What makes managers inscrutable and manipulative? Is this innate or acquired? In which way leaders are different? Seems a huge task but I will tackle this issue by conducting a comparative study among two prominent figures as Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan and Nelson Mandela
[4] Again magnification of leadership over management is elaborated in this context “One responsibility of a manager is controlling a group in order to accomplish a certain goal

Summary

Introduction

I have noticed throughout my reading in this specific topic that a determined distinction between managers and leaders is being prolifically conducted One of those examples is what Zaleznick pointed out in his research “managers and leaders; are they different?” that “managerial leadership does not necessarily ensure imagination, creativity, or ethical behavior in guiding the destinies of corporate enterprises” [1]. Managers have to understand their subordinates well to do their job effectively.” [3] the same concept goes far to continue in this way “Managers, are not required to assess and analyze failures Their job description emphasizes asking the questions “how” and “when,” which usually helps them make sure that plans are properly executed. Inspiration and influence separate leaders from managers—not control and power.” [5]

Discussion

Conclusions