Final answer:
E. Interpersonal is one of the three broad categories of roles that managers play, according to Henry Mintzberg. These roles focus on the manager's social, leadership, and liaison responsibilities. A manager's style and approach can significantly affect the work environment and employee job satisfaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Henry Mintzberg, an influential figure in the study of management roles, there are three broad types of roles that managers play. These roles are categorized as Interpersonal, Informational, and Decisional. Answering the student's question, E. Interpersonal is one of the three broad categories of roles that Mintzberg identified. Interpersonal roles relate to the manager's duty of being a figurehead, leader, and liaison, which involves fostering professional relationships within and outside the organization.
Managers are essential in shaping the work environment and influencing employee satisfaction and growth. They provide opportunities for skill development and have a significant influence on the career progression of employees, including training approvals, raises, promotions, and job references. The manager's approach to management and communication—whether they are consultative, collaborative or bureaucratic—sets the tone for the overall work culture and impacts the team's efficiency, with a manager's transparency being a key component in trust between management and employees.