Difference between Management and Leadership: A Case Study

Abstract

In this paper our research purpose is to study the difference between management and leadership through a case study, by presenting a management situation in a company and by studying the facts in this situation, the events in this situation, the analysis of these facts and events, and the learned lessons from this case study. We learn some general and specific lessons in relation to our studied managerial situation. Our methodology will be based on collection of facts and events of a case study and also based on analysis and interpretation of this case study by proposing multiple improvements of this managerial situation especially for the manager X and by combining his management skills with his leadership skills. We find through this case study the main differences between the management and the leadership. Also we illustrate in this paper the interest to combine leadership skills with management skills for the manager X in our studied managerial situation and to adapt the management styles for the manager X according to the managerial situation. We find in this paper an essential difference between leadership and management which is captured: Leadership is setting a new direction or vision for a group that they follow: a leader is the spearhead for that new direction. Leadership is about aligning people to the vision that means buy-in and communication, motivation and inspiration. Management controls or directs people/resources in a group according to principles or values that have been established. Management is a set of processes that keep an organization functioning.