Becoming A Manager

This chapter investigates the theories surrounding managerial competencies whilst looking at the different contexts within which managers perform their tasks. Being a manager in a large global firm and being a manager in a small firm of five people are very different environments, so the context and the culture of the business will have a direct impact on how managers behave, perform, communicate and ultimately succeed. The manager operating in an international business will also require a level of inter cultural awareness when dealing with both international clients and colleagues across the group. The first section of this chapter discusses the key theoretical managerial studies with the second looking at the culture and context within which management takes place. A range of quotes are provided by three UK based managers from different sectors who provide an insight into their practical experience of management and the skills learned along the way. These senior level managers range from the small business sector, namely Arran Aromatics, a large emergency public services organisation, the Fire and Rescue Service, and Iberdrola, a large international group based in five countries, with their HQ in Bilbao, Spain. The chapter includes a short vignette relating to each business to provide detail on the context and background within which each of these managers operate