Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Certification Practice Test

Which of the following is classified as a Decisional Role according to Mintzberg?

1. Disseminator

2. Negotiator

3. Spokesperson

4. Motivator

The correct answer is: Negotiator

In Mintzberg's managerial roles framework, decisional roles pertain to the functions managers perform when making decisions and taking actions that affect the organization. Among the options provided, the negotiator role is a quintessential example of a decisional role. This is because it involves bargaining and resolving conflicts to reach agreements that benefit the organization, which directly correlates with making strategic decisions and judgments that impact organizational outcomes. The negotiator actively engages in discussions and dialogues, often involving various stakeholders, to secure favorable terms or settle disputes. This role is critical for resource allocation, partnerships, and other significant organizational decisions, highlighting its decisive nature. In contrast, the other roles listed, such as disseminator, spokesperson, and motivator, primarily focus on communication, representation, and influencing team morale or motivation rather than making decisions that shape the direction of the organization. These responsibilities are important but fall under the categories of informational roles or interpersonal roles rather than decisional roles.