 Management Style refers to the behaviour and attitude of the manager. It is the manager’s way of doing things.

DescriptionManagement TELLS staff what decision it has made. Characteristics-Centralisation of power with management -All policy set my management -Little trust or faith in staff -Rigid setting of work organisation by management -Perception that orders are to be carried out without question -One way communication Advantages-Directions and procedures are clearly defined -Employees roles and expectations are set out so management can monitor performance -Decision making and problem solving is generally performed quickly as there is no consultation -Communication is generally clear Disadvantages-No employee input means that ideas, skills, experience and initiative not utilised -Morale may be low due to lack of trust and two way communication

DescriptionManagement SELLS staff what decision it has made. Characteristics-Centralisation of power with management -All policy set my management -Setting of work organisation by management -Presentation of selected information to staff -Encouraging commitment from staff by highlighting positive information -One way communication Advantages-Managers can gain some trust and support through persuasion -Communication (instructions and explanations) remain clear and constant -Decision making and problem solving is generally performed quickly as there is no consultation Disadvantages-No employee input means that ideas, skills, experience and initiative not utilised -Morale may be low due to lack of trust and two way communication

DescriptionManagement CONSULTS staff before making decisions Characteristics-Decision making maintained by management but considers staff opinions -Two way communication -Clear, ongoing communication and encouragement of group discussion allowing for feedback -Regular contact between management and employees Advantages-Management/staff relationship strong -Job satisfaction high when employees feel part of the decision making process -Staff feel some ownership over decision -Employee skills, experience, ideas utilised -The ‘right’ people are involved in decision which affect them -Positive culture Disadvantages-Time consuming -Some issues are not suitable for discussion with all employees -Resentment or conflict may occur when a suggestion is ignored.

DescriptionManagement JOINS with staff to make a group decision Characteristics-Decision making shared between management and employees -Two way communication -Clear, ongoing communication and encouragement of group discussion allowing for feedback -Regular contact between management and employees -Teamwork encouraged Advantages-Management/staff relationship strong -Job satisfaction high when employees feel part of the decision making process -Staff feel ownership over decision -Employee skills, experience, ideas utilised -The ‘right’ people are involved in decision which affect them -Positive culture established Disadvantages-Time consuming -Some issues are not suitable for discussion with all employees -Resentment or conflict may occur when a suggestion is ignored.

DescriptionEmployees assume total responsibility for, and control of, workplace operations. Characteristics-Managers set objectives and deadlines then let employees find ways of achieving them -Management act more as a support for employees than a boss Advantages-Employees feel highly trusted -Employees are free to explore their own avenues and creativity which may lead to a relaxed culture and innovation -Employees have high job satisfaction as they have responsibility Disadvantages-Lack of task orientation, productivity and direction -Employees receive little or no leadership and may not respect management -Easy for employees to slack off -Lack of accountability for managers

 Highly effective managers change styles depending on the situation.  Another name for this approach is contingency management theory.  There is no one best style, except the one chosen appropriately and which contributes to the organisation achieving its objectives.