by Peggy Molloy

Created on: February 04, 2010   Last Updated: January 02, 2011

Just like there are psychological arch-types for people,there are also arch-types for management styles. There is a definite shift to a more mutually respectful role due to the fast changing and flexible nature of today's work force. The rules have basically gone out the window and so more and more people are working in unexpected situations with staff members with great differences in age and educational levels.

We all carry within our minds assumptions which means those beliefs we hold about the way the world or pther people should or ought to be. I have also heard this defined as prescriptive behavior or the way it is supposed to be. This group of of ideas includes expectations and values.

Herein we weave the individuals thinking about specific management styles. The individual crosses over into the areas of the organization, be it defined as culture, strategy, policies and procedures, structure, systems,  and climate of the corporation or business. This groups of ideas then intersects with the business environment.

It is key to understanding the power that is at work in your sphere. Coercive power is based upon fear. Reward power is based upon the expectation of receiving praise, recognition, or an increase in income. Referent power is the "star" in star power usually reserved for sales staff. This are charming, charismatic personalities. Legitimate power is the formal hierarchy that is inherent in every organization.It is noted here that often the "informal" structure competes with the actual decision making of the "formal" power due to social networking, gossip and who is married to who. Expert power have the ability to manipulate the system because of their own knowledge and position.

MBWA means management by walking around, with a particular expert Carly Fiorina, formerly the Chief Executive at Hewlett Packard. MBO means management by objective and has been around since the 1950's. MBO works well where you wish to build employees' management skills and access their creativity and instinct.

Perceptual maps and positioning are used to feature a brand. This can be an icon cartoon or an actual personality. Demographics help to define how a particular product will be marketed. Perception is only skin deep, meaning that it remains very personal how each of us perceives opportunity, criticisms, beauty, and reality itself. Discussions of perceived business culture can open some doors in terms of each persons' thinking. Willingness to change and go forward is becoming an increasingly valuable attitude for those who care to remain in the active work force.

Learn more about this author, Peggy Molloy.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.