Management vs. Leadership: Understanding the Differences

Explore management vs. leadership and understanding the differences in skills, careers and educational requirements for organizational success.
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Read time 5 minutes
Published On Jul 9, 2025

Written By
Georgia Farrokh
Digital Content Specialist, Grand Canyon Education

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  1. Bailey, J. (2022, Sept. 22). The Best Managers Are Leaders — and Vice Versa. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved May 8, 2025.
  2. Kotter, J. P. (1990). A Force for Change: How Leadership Differs from Management. Free Press. Retrieved June 27, 2025.
  3. Riggio, R. (2012, Feb. 2). Why Steve Jobs Is a Leadership Nightmare. Psychology Today. Retrieved May 8, 2025.
  4. Smith, S. (n.d.). The Consequences of Confusing Authority with Leadership. Growth Source Coaching. Retrieved May 8, 2025.
  5. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, April, 18). Management Occupations. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved May 8, 2025.
  6. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, April, 18). Training and Development Managers. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved May 8, 2025.

Approved and verified accurate by the Assistant Professor of Management of the Colangelo College of Business on June 27, 2025.

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