Page 321 - Business Principles and Management

Unit 4
facts & Studies have found that neither of these management views is correct for all
figures
The management style of many
women is well suited for the
team-oriented leadership of
today’s businesses. Women tend
to emphasize communications
and positive work relationships.
Those skills work well when
managing a diverse workforce
and motivating others through
the use of influence rather
than authority. Nevertheless,
women hold about one-third
of management positions and
under 10 percent of executive ager doesn’t have confidence in them or is expecting them to make errors or work
positions.
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FLEXIBLE MANAGEMENT
employees and all jobs. Although many managers tend to favor one view over
the other, managers who adjust their approach as circumstances change are
likely to be more effective. For example, if there is some work that employees
strongly dislike, closer supervision may be required. When employees are doing
work they enjoy, managers may not need to supervise as closely. Flexibility in
managers’ views of employees permits flexibility in their treatment. Employees
tend to prefer managers who are flexible enough to increase or decrease the
amount of supervision as needed.
Managers can influence whether employees like or dislike their work. Newly
hired employees are usually excited about the work and want to do a good job.
Only if they decide that the work is not something they enjoy or they believe their
manager does not trust them will they require additional management attention.
However, new employees may be nervous and unsure of some of their job assign-
ments. They will feel better if their supervisor is available to provide help and feed-
back on good performance.
Experienced employees who have demonstrated they can perform their jobs
well will be upset if they receive very close supervision. They will believe their man-
too slowly. Employees who have demonstrated they can perform their work well
will have a positive view of their manager when they see their manager’s trust.
If the employees do not seem to enjoy the work they are doing, managers can
do some things to change their attitudes. Managers can work with the employees
to determine the reasons for their feelings and to find out what they like and
dislike about that type of work. The managers can find opportunities to involve
employees, encourage and respect their ideas, and give them opportunities to
do more of the type of work they enjoy. In that way, managers may begin to
change employees’ attitudes and gradually reduce the amount of supervision
and control required.
CHECKPOINT
What are the views of employees that lead to close management
and to limited management?
Leadership Styles
The general way a manager treats and supervises employees is called leadership
style. It includes the way a manager gives directions, handles problems, and
makes decisions. Leadership style is influenced by many factors, including the
manager’s preparation, experience, and beliefs about whether employees like or
dislike work, and each manager has a slightly different style from all other man-
agers. However, leadership styles fall into three general categories: autocratic,
democratic, and open leadership.
AUTOCRATIC LEADERSHIP
The autocratic leader is one who gives direct, clear, and precise orders with detailed
instructions as to what, when, and how work is to be done. With an autocratic