Network society requires another repertoire of Management Styles
Leaders threaten to completely lose their support in society. Half of all Dutch people have only (very) little faith in government leaders. Specifically ministers, deputies and council members can count on little support from citizens. Their management style evolves insufficiently in comparison to the ever changing ways in which citizens lead their lives. Society is increasingly evolving from a hierarchical class society into a horizontal network society. The traditionally large group of law-abiding citizens is decreasing, while pragmatic, independent citizens are increasing. In contrast, public administration is predominantly vertically organized. To recover contact with citizens they must rediscover themselves and show more flexibility in their repertoire of Management Styles.
Six Management Styles
For the repertoire of Management Styles that leaders and their official organization can use, we distinguish two basic dimensions. First, the level in which people externally (on citizens) or actually internally (on the own organization or on representatives of organizations) is focused. Second, the extent to which people are focused on stability and management, or flexibility and collaboration.
Based on the manner in which they profile themselves on these dimensions, six types of leaders can be distinguished: The analytical process director, the hierarchical leader, the catalyst, the connector, the ambassador that sets the agenda and the networker.
How does it work in practice?
In a workshop with leaders, advisors, spokesmen and/or speech writers we highlight, through work sessions, which Management Styles suit your organization, including its opportunities and pitfalls. In addition, we offer the possibility to, through research among citizens in your catchment area, gain insight into their needs and requirements with regard to their leaders and the way in which you can respond to this in practice. We can link this to our segmentation model of Citizen Styles.
What is in it for you?
In your organization awareness about Management Styles is growing. You can recognize them, name them and apply them in management, policy and communication in a way that suits the changing wishes and needs of citizens in your catchment area. This increases the scope for management and the official organization and their effectiveness.
