General manager
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The term general manager is a descriptive term for certain executives in a business operation. It is also a formal title held by some business executives, although the duties of the general manager role vary by industry.
Generic usage
Most commonly, the term general manager refers to any executive who has overall responsibility for managing both the revenue and cost elements of a company’s income statement. This is often referred to as Profit & Loss (P&L) responsibility. This means that general managers usually oversee most or all of the firm’s marketing and sales functions as well as the day-to-day operations of the business. Frequently, the general manager is also responsible for leading or coordinating the strategic planning functions of the company.
In many cases, the general manager of a business is given a different formal title or titles. Most corporate managers holding the titles of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or President, for example, are the general managers of their respective businesses. More rarely, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Chief Operating Officer (COO), or Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) will act as the general manager of the business. Depending on the company, individuals with the title Regional Vice President, Country Manager, Product Manager, Branch Manager or Segment Manager may also have general management responsibilities.
In consumer products companies, general managers are often given the title Brand Manager or Category Manager. In professional services firms, the general manager may hold titles such as Managing Partner, Senior Partner, or Managing Director.
In non-profit enterprises, the general manager is often given the title Executive Director.
From F. John Reh,
Your Guide to Management
(management.about.com)
Definition: A General Manager has broad, overall responsibility for a business or organization. Whereas a manager may be responsible for one functional area, the General Manager is responsible for all areas.
General Managers manage through subordinate manager. However, a General Manager may have individuals reporting to him/her who are not managers.
A General Manager has the power to hire, fire, or promote employees.
A General Manager is responsible for higher level planning than a manager. A General Manager is often responsible for the overall strategic planning and direction of the company or organization and leaves the day-to-day management of the various functions to the managers.
Also Known As: GM
Examples: The General Manager provided strategic direction for the whole company.
