Answer to Question #118976 in Management for Rachel

Question

How to explain the case below with types of authority and type of power.

David is the Senior Engineering Manager in a big company. David obtained a double Master degree in Engineering and IT (Information Technology). Occasionally, David also helps the IT Department to solve some problems. David earns high popularity among the colleagues in Engineering and IT Department.

Due to David’s skills and his kind attitude, he is respected and loved by most of the colleagues in the company. Some colleagues in the IT department even offer to help David in his office work. Consequently, this matter upset Frank, the IT Manager. Frank filed a complaint to the CEO that David abuses his authority of asking the staff in IT department to perform work.

Task :
Identify and discuss whether the complaint of Frank is valid, i.e. David misused his authority in instructing the IT staff to perform work for him or his department. Provide reasons for your discussion.

Answer 1

There is a difference between leaders and management based on how they execute their jobs in an organization. In this case, Leaders make people follow them while managers authorize people to work for them. A successful organization requires both a strong leader and a manager to collaborate with other employees toward accomplishing the organization's goal. For this reason, Frank who is the IT manager had to file a complaint, thinking that David abuses his authority. However, David has the quality and skills of a better leader who attracts other colleagues and does not force them to assist him in performing or executing his work in the office.