This question is about what a manager does.
General Manager vs. Director
A general manager is a supervisor who oversees the daily operations of a company, while a director is involved with developing the long-term goals of a company.
A general manager is a high-level role at a company. They are responsible for overseeing employees and guiding them towards daily company objectives. Their primary duties include enforcing company policies, scheduling, and maintaining an effective and safe work environment. General managers work in many different industries and settings, such as corporate offices, stores, and restaurants.
A director is on a publicly held company's board of directors. This is a group of stakeholders that represent a company's shareholders. Directors seek to develop and maintain each aspect of their company's operations. They play a critical role in creating foundational elements of a company, like its mission and vision. In addition, directors also work with other members of the board to establish long-term goals for their company's growth.
Here are the key differences between a general manager and a director:
A general manager is a high-level manager at a company
A director is part of a company's board of directors
A general manager oversees one or several different department managers and team leaders
Directors are stakeholders that represent shareholders of a publicly held company
General managers implement and enforce company policies and make sure the company's working environment runs efficiently and safely
Directors develop a company's mission, vision, and establish long-term goals for its growth
General managers often play a role in a company's hiring process
On average directors have higher salaries than general managers
In terms of decision-making, there is a clear difference between a general manager and a director. General managers are usually involved in the day-to-day decisions that directly impact the company's operations. They may decide on hiring new employees, manage budgets, and set performance targets for different departments. They have a hands-on approach and are crucial in ensuring that the company's daily operations run smoothly.
Directors, on the other hand, are involved in making strategic decisions that will affect the company in the long run. They don't usually get involved in daily operational matters unless they directly influence the company's strategic objectives. Directors play a key role in shaping the future of the company by setting its direction and formulating strategies that will help achieve long-term goals.
The level of authority is another point of distinction between a general manager and a director. A general manager has significant authority within their scope of responsibility but is still answerable to higher-level executives or the board of directors. Directors, particularly those on the board, possess ultimate corporate governance authority and have the power to hire or fire top executives, including general managers.
Despite these differences, both roles are critical to a company's success. A general manager ensures that daily operations proceed efficiently towards short-term objectives, while a director provides strategic guidance to align the company with its long-term vision.
