The Realities of Managerial Roles: Insights into Issues Faced by Management Staff

Understanding Managerial Challenges: A Survey Overview

A recent survey conducted by ALL DIFFERENT Co., Ltd., a consulting firm dedicated to organizational development, sheds light on the realities faced by managerial staff in today's ever-evolving corporate landscapes. From May 20 to July 17, 2025, a total of 531 managers participated in the survey, revealing their roles, challenges, and level of understanding regarding their responsibilities.

Background

In an era of rapid changes, the expectations placed upon managerial staff have become more diverse and complex. Many managers feel that the burdens, responsibilities, and compensations are not in alignment, leading some to reconsider their ambitions for a managerial role. However, managers remain a vital link between the workforce and the executive layer, playing a crucial role in enhancing overall organizational performance. This survey provides insights into how managers perceive their roles and the challenges they encounter.

Key Findings

1. Development of Subordinates as the Top Concern
The foremost issue plaguing managers (51.0%) is the development of subordinates, followed by concerns regarding departmental performance (34.7%) and the communication of policies and strategies (32.5%). Notably, there were no managers who reported having no concerns at all, showcasing the pervasive challenge of managerial responsibilities.

2. Differences Across Experience Levels
When categorized by their experience, newcomers with 1-3 years (new managers), veterans with over 4 years (veteran managers), and those in senior roles (executive candidates), variations in challenges surfaced. New managers primarily reported issues related to the development of subordinates (52.2%) and their lack of management knowledge (42.6%). In contrast, veteran managers were more concerned about communication issues (35.8%), while executive candidates struggled with understanding and executing strategies (44.9%).

3. Perceptions of Managerial Responsibilities
Managers at all experience levels recognized the importance of conveying company policies effectively, but executive candidates also emphasized their role in developing departmental strategies.

4. Type of Work Performed by Managers
The survey found that over half of new managers and more than 60% of veteran managers identified as being heavily involved in operational tasks (player-oriented), while more than half of executive candidates leaned towards management-oriented tasks.

5. Challenges Faced by Different Types of Managers
Player-oriented managers expressed higher concern about delegating player tasks and their outcomes, while management-oriented managers faced more issues related to departmental performance and strategic alignment.

6. Role Awareness
Management-oriented staff showed a broader awareness of their roles, especially concerning the accurate communication of policies.

Summary

The results highlight the predominant challenge of subordinate development among managers, emphasizing a high level of awareness regarding the importance of developing human resources. As managers ascend through the ranks, they increasingly face organizational-level challenges that require adept communication and strategic implementation.

The findings urge organizations to critically evaluate how managerial roles and achievements are assessed, ensuring that efforts directed towards developing subordinates and achieving organizational goals are appropriately recognized and rewarded. This balance is crucial, especially in a high-performance culture where sustaining effective leadership is necessary for organizational growth.

This research report highlights the ongoing transitions within the responsibilities of managerial staff, pinpointing the need for greater support and structure in aligning their roles with organizational needs. As industries continue to evolve, so too must the frameworks within which managers operate, ensuring they remain equipped to inspire and lead their teams effectively.