Compare the differences between manager and leader

Q. Compare the differences between manager and leader.

Answer. A leader is one who influences the behavior and work of others in group efforts towards achievement of specified goals in a given situation. On the other hand, manager can be a true manager only if he has got traits of leader in him. Manager at all levels are expected to be the leaders of work groups so that subordinates willingly carry instructions and accept their guidance. A person can be a leader virtue of all qualities in him.

Leaders and managers can be compared the following basis:

Origin: A person becomes a manager by virtue of his position. A person becomes a leader on basis of personal qualities.

Formal rights: Manager has got formal rights in an organization because of his status. Rights are not available to a leader.

Followers: The subordinates are the followers of managers; people follow manager by virtue of job description. The group of employees whom the leaders lead are his followers, people follow leader on voluntary basis.

Functions: A manager performs all five functions of management. Leader influences people to work willingly for group objectives.

Necessity: A manager is very essential to a concern. A leader is required to create cordial relation between person working in and for organization.

Stability: Manager is more stable. Leadership is temporary

Mutual relationship: All managers are leader. All leaders are not manager.

Accountability: Manager is accountable for self and subordinates behavior and performance. Leaders have no well defined accountability.

Concern: A manager’s concern is organizational goals. A leader’s concern is group goals and member’s satisfaction.

Role continuation: A manager can continue in office till the performs his duties satisfactorily in congruence with organizational goals. A leader can maintain his position only through day to day wishes of followers.

Sanctions: Managers has command over allocation and distribution of sanctions. A leader has command over different sanctions and related task records. These sanctions are essentially of informal nature.