1. The distinction between leaders and managers is not easy to draw; indeed, there is considerable debate about how much overlap there should be in this area with in the realm of management and leadership studies. Those who suggest that leaders should be treated in the same manner as managers note that effective leaders are also able to manage those around them, while effective managers typically possess leadership skills. From this standpoint, the argument is that the two characteristics of leadership and management are so closely related that it is impossible to effectively separate them.
Critics of this approach hold that the skills and talents necessary for effective management are distinct from those needed for effective leadership. Leaders are motivators and visionary; managers are practical and methodical. It is impossible, and even unwise, according to these individuals, to try to make leaders out of managers, or managers out of leaders. Instead, it is necessary to recognize that both are needed within organizations and to provide individuals with the skills they need to be effective in either role.
Leadership is the ability to communicate a vision or goal to members of an organization and motivate individuals to achieve that goal. It can include aspects of management (such as managing resources and time), but is more dependent on the ability of the leader to understand what is to be accomplished and the ability to communicate both the task and the urgency to the group members.
2. The roles and activities which a manager fulfills are dependent on the level of the manager within the organization. Managers who are higher up in the organization are likely to participate in strategic business decisions which have a direct and long-term effect on the entire organization for some years (often ten or 20) into the future. These managers are likely to be called upon to act as spokespeople for the company, and to serve a...