Micromanagement is spelled with four syllables: /ˌmaɪ.krəʊ.mæn.ɪdʒ.mənt/. The first syllable is pronounced as "my," followed by "kro" with a long "o" sound, and "man" with a short "a" sound. The last syllable is "idj" with a soft "g" sound, followed by "ment" with a short "e" sound. Micromanagement is a management style in which a manager closely observes and controls the work of their subordinates. This type of management can often lead to low morale and employee burnout.
Micromanagement is a management style characterized by excessive control, close supervision, and overly detailed involvement in the day-to-day activities of employees or subordinates. It refers to a managerial approach where a supervisor or manager closely monitors and dictates every aspect of an employee's work, leaving little room for individual decision-making or autonomy. This approach typically manifests in constant supervision, excessive task assignments, frequent check-ins, and scrutinizing the smallest details of an employee's work.
Micromanagement often occurs when a manager lacks confidence in the abilities of their subordinates, has a need for control, or possesses a perfectionistic mindset. It can be detrimental to employee morale, job satisfaction, and productivity since it undermines trust, stifles creativity, and discourages employees from taking ownership of their work.
In an organizational context, micromanagement can create a hostile work environment, hindering collaboration and reducing employee engagement. It can also lead to a decrease in employee motivation and job satisfaction, as employees may feel undervalued and deprived of opportunities to contribute their unique skills and ideas.
The term "micromanagement" is generally associated with negative connotations, as it is often viewed as an inefficient and counterproductive management style. Effective managers, on the other hand, aim to establish clear objectives for their team, provide guidance and support, and foster a culture of trust and empowerment, allowing employees to take ownership of their work and make decisions within their areas of responsibility.
The word "micromanagement" is composed of two parts: "micro-" and "management".
The prefix "micro-" comes from the Greek word "mikros", meaning "small". This prefix is commonly used to denote something that is very small or diminutive.
The term "management" comes from the Latin word "manus", meaning "hand". It originally referred to the act of handling or controlling something or someone with skill.
When combined, "micromanagement" literally means "small-scale management" or "overly detailed management". It refers to a management style where a person excessively controls or scrutinizes every little detail of a task or a project, leaving little room for autonomy or decision-making by others.