Why have these changes in managerial styles occurred? An interesting approach to the cause for this shift into the modern management style, is that the ?today?s trend toward empowering others rather than leading by authority has been fueled by the increasing economic activity of women.? (Fast Company 49) Now although this narcissistic, naive, and disillusioned woman may feel she has a point, the fact of the matter is that the Western world was really the only one who failed to keep up with their people?s changing minds and ways, and it was only when they realized how insuperior they were to the Asian parts, that they copied their ways. It was not because of women!
The real reason for the shifting of management styles is the changing value systems, technology, organizational design, and globalization. Today, people are seen as real individuals who have needs, wants, and desires of their own. These people, who make up the workforce, are no longer there for the sole purpose of having a job and getting paid. They are there to develop themselves and to grow as individuals. This has brought about a change in the value systems of organizations, they realize that personal growth leads to happier, and therefore, more effective and efficient employees. As a result managers are more socially responsible and in effect need to mange differently. As technology advances, all businesses where employees can operate independently will virtually become home based. This eliminates all need for direct management. As organizations become flatter there is less need for managers. With increasing globalization comes the possibility of increased distance between company branches and their employees. This in effect forces managers to develop their styles to be able to manage across continents successfully.
Where is management, and specifically management styles, heading to? Well, Associate Professor Bill Waters, of UBC?s Faculty of Commerce and Business Administration, seems to think that ?we are currently in a transition period between the old management and the new.? Therefore, we can expect to see more of this radical change ? to maybe complete empowerment to employees, eliminating the entire need for a manager? well no, not that drastic. But, it is definitely felt that there will be a complete shift ? not bits and pieces here and there which fluctuate from company to company as we are seeing now ? to the other side of managing as shown in Appendix A.