Beyond Micromanagement: The Risks of Under-Management in Organizations, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Episode notes

Abstract: This practitioner research brief examines the under-explored issue of under-management in organizations and its implications for employee and organizational performance. Under-management is defined as a hands-off, laissez faire approach to management where leaders provide very low levels of oversight, guidance and support to direct reports. Drawing from the academic literature as well as reflections on the author's 15+ years of experience as a management consultant, potential risks of under-management are identified, including lack of direction, poor work quality, employee disengagement, stalled growth and missed opportunities. To bring these concepts to life, challenges stemming from under-management are described within case studies of a fast-growing tech startup and hospital nursing unit. The brief concludes by advocating for a balanced, differentiated approach tailored to team needs rather than extremes of micromanagement or under-management. Key recommendations focus on regular communication, feedback, collaboration enablers and customized development to optimize both employee and business outcomes over the long-term as circumstances evolve.

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