Final answer:
Small business managers tend to have a broader set of responsibilities including direct operations, while large business managers focus on specialized, strategic roles within a complex organizational hierarchy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks how small business managers emphasize roles differently compared to large business managers. In small businesses, managers often wear multiple hats, meaning they handle a wider variety of tasks due to less workforce specialization. Examples include personally handling the hiring process, engaging directly with customers, and possibly even managing inventory. In contrast, managers in large businesses typically have more specialized roles, focusing on strategic planning, coordination across departments, and managing a larger staff. Their role is generally more removed from the day-to-day operations because there are layers of middle management who deal directly with the various business functions.
The division of labor is much clearer in large businesses, exemplified by the many job classifications in a large manufacturing factory or a hospital. The business manager in these settings is likely to concentrate on specific managerial functions such as finance, human resources, or operations. Additionally, in a large business, the manager must understand the hierarchical structure and collaborate with other managers to achieve the organization’s objectives. This is different from small business managers who have a more immediate and comprehensive view of the business's operations and economic connections, such as liaising with suppliers and dealing with payroll directly.
In summary, the differing scales between small and large businesses necessitate different managerial approaches, with small business managers handling a broader range of activities and large business managers focusing on more defined, strategic roles within a complex organizational hierarchy.