The activities which constitute the essential functions of a top manager’s job who command a formal authority and status can be seen as a set of 10 roles which may be divided into three groups:

1.Interpersonal roles: These are relations with other people arising from the manager’s status and authority. The managerial roles in this category involve providing information and ideas. Interpersonal roles include:

• Figurehead role – The manager is a symbol and represents the organization in matters of formality. Manager is involved in issues of a ceremonial nature such as the signing of documents and participation.
• Leader role – The manager undertakes all activities of a manager, such as staffing, motivation, and guidance of subordinates.
• Liaison role – The manager acts as a link between the organization and the environment. e.g. individuals and groups outside the organization.

2. Informational roles: They relate to the sources and communication of information arising from the manager’s interpersonal roles. The managerial roles in this category involve processing information. Informational roles include:

• Monitor role – It involves the manager in seeking and receiving information which enables the manager to develop an understanding of the organization and its environment. Information may be received from internal or external sources and may be formal or informal.
• Disseminator role – It involves the manager in transmitting external information into the organization and internal information between subordinates.
• Spokesperson role – The manager is the formal authority in transmitting information to people outside the organization. e.g., directors’ suppliers, customers, etc.

3. Decisional roles: The managerial roles in this category involve using information

• Entrepreneurial role – Managers initiate and plan controlled change through exploiting opportunities and solving problems. e.g., overseeing new projects that will improve the performance of the organization.
• Disturbance handler – Managers take action to correct a situation when an unexpected disturbance occurs.
• Resource allocator – Managers decide and make choices on the allocation of resources such as time, money, and staff
• Negotiator role – Manager participates in negotiation activity with other individuals or organizations.