Definition

Henry Mintzberg identified ten managerial roles grouped into interpersonal, informational, and decisional categories that describe what managers actually do in their daily work.

Introduction

While functions explain what managers should do, roles explain how they do it in practice—communicating, networking, decision-making, and leading people.

Explanation

1️⃣ Interpersonal Roles

Figurehead – ceremonial duties.

Leader – motivates subordinates.

Liaison – builds networks.

2️⃣ Informational Roles

Monitor – gathers information.

Disseminator – shares information internally.

Spokesperson – communicates externally.

3️⃣ Decisional Roles

Entrepreneur – initiates change.

Disturbance Handler – resolves crises.

Resource Allocator – assigns budgets and time.

Negotiator – manages agreements.

Key Takeaways

Successful managers balance all ten roles dynamically.

Real management is situational and interactive—not mechanical.

Real-World Case

Example: Satya Nadella, Microsoft
Demonstrates interpersonal empathy, informational transparency, and decisive innovation—all three role categories working together.