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'Under-management epidemic' carries productivity and morale risks, claims survey

According to research from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), two-thirds of UK organisations are suffering from a shortage of highly effective leaders and are running the risk of experiencing poor productivity and low staff morale. The problem has been dubbed the "under-management epidemic".

Dr Carolyn Martin of RainmakerThinking Inc discussed the causes and effects of the under-management epidemic, and suggested ways employers can create more hands-on managers, at last week’s HRD conference.

"Today's managers have more on their plates than ever before,” said Dr Martin. “As tiers of management have been stripped out and organisations have become more target driven, managers have found themselves spending more time managing balance sheets than people. But in many cases this has left the workforce under-managed, undermining efforts to achieve business objectives.

"Managing people is just as important as hitting targets or managing budgets. Failure to engage employees and monitor what they are doing leaves managers unable to provide clear direction and support.

"Having a title doesn't ensure respect and delegating work doesn't ensure results. Employers must make sure the simple things such as communication and team involvement don't get lost in the single-minded drive to hit targets."

The CIPD's latest Training and development survey found many leaders lack the skills to successfully lead and manage.

Jessica Jarvis, CIPD Training and Development Adviser, said: "Employers need to invest more time in training their managers. It is not enough to just send someone on a course and expect them to manage effectively.

"Training should be combined with a development programme that sets clear objectives in line with the business requirements.

"Employers should monitor the development of their managers and involve other staff in providing constructive feedback - only then will employers improve the skills of their managers."

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