Discussion Post: Leadership and Management: What Is The Difference?
Leadership and management in social agencies are about starting things up, getting them done, and keeping them moving.
-Armand Lauffer
Leadership and management are two terms that are used interchangeably but represent different roles that have different functions. Understanding the differences and similarities is essential for social work administrators as they develop leadership strategies within organizations. Understanding the functions associated with leadership and management roles can influence how social workers supervise and work with colleagues in administrative practice. As you prepare for this Discussion, consider how your understanding of leadership and management roles might affect you when you assume a supervisory position.
Post an analysis of the similarities and differences of leadership and management roles as they relate to human services organizations. Include how your understanding of these roles may affect you as you assume a supervisory position.
Support your post with specific references to the resources. Be sure to provide full APA citations for your references.
Read a selection of your colleagues' posts.
Respond to at least two colleagues by explaining whether you agree or disagree with your colleague's analysis of the similarities and differences of leadership and management and their application to a potential supervisory position in a human services organization. Provide support for your position.
Return to this Discussion to read the responses to your initial post. Note what you have learned and/or any insights you gained as a result of the comments your colleagues made.
Learning Resources
Required Readings
• Lauffer, A. (2011). Understanding your social agency (3rd ed.). Washington, DC: Sage.
o Chapter 1, "Where Your Agency Came From and Where It's Going" (pp. 2-31)
o Prequel to Chapter 2, "Meet the Staff Members" (pp. 35-37)
o Chapter 2, "Concepts, Theories, and Classifications" (pp. 38-65)
o Chapter 7, "Organizational Culture" (pp. 210-240)
o Chapter 8, "Leadership, Management, and Governance" (pp. 243-280)
• Mulroy, E. A. (2004). Theoretical perspectives on the social environment to guide management and community perspectives: An organization-in-environment approach. Administration in Social Work, 28(1), 77-96.