‘Secretive’ managers hit production

Dec 12 2007 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

OVERBEARING managers are stifling workplaces and causing higher levels of absence as well as lower productivity.

A survey of 1,500 managers showed the number of team leaders adopting a “dictatorial approach” in the office had increased in the past few years.

Managers had created a “secretive” and “bureaucratic” culture in organisations which failed to meet their targets, according to the study by the Chartered Management Institute.

Many firms performing well had accessible managers, the research found. Only one in 10 of those surveyed said sickness absence increased in organisations which promoted a culture of trust, while almost half admitted rates had increased where employers were suspicious of staff taking time off.

Jo Causon, director of marketing and corporate affairs at the Chartered Management Institute, said: “The effect of management styles on performance can be marked and has a direct bearing on the levels of health, motivation and commitment linking employers and staff.

“Of course, improving the sense of wellbeing, determination and productivity, is no easy task but one that cannot be ignored. Left alone, it will only serve to reduce morale and lower the quality of working life.”