BOSSISM

Bossism! Why is it such a dominant management style in so many organizations? Simple answer, it is taking the path of least resistance.

The literature refers to this style as autocratic management. This approach has been used for centuries! It goes back to the days of kingdoms, serfdoms, fiefdoms, etc. It was also used by political bosses and found its way into organizations in both public and private sectors.

The style is manifested in a domineering and judgmental attitude toward employees. There is little or no input from employees and they are required to simply do as told. Fear and intimidation is the name of the game.

Autocratic managers typically make choices based on their ideas and judgments and rarely accept advice from followers. Autocratic management involves absolute, authoritarian control over a group. Caveat, there may be some employees who don’t want to think and would prefer to be told what to do, when, where and how. Autocratic management works for them.

However, that is not the case for most employees. They prefer managers with people skills and who are able to effect good interpersonal relationships. So, why are so many in managerial positions behaving like bosses? First, many are not trained in the principles of management. Next, they may not have the temperament (big egos) to acknowledge their own deficiencies. Further, they may not truly understand the real role of managers; and thus, they take the path of least resistance, do what comes easy, be a boss!