What It Takes To Be A Good Manager

Research conducted by the Kenexa Research Institute (KRI), a division of Kenexa, a provider of talent acquisition and retention solutions, evaluated workersí views of their immediate managers. The report is based on the analysis of data drawn from a representative sample of workers surveyed in 2007 through WorkTrendsô, KRI's annual survey of worker opinions. The survey included workers from Brazil, China, Germany, India, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The latest results from the universal study indicate that 63% of subordinate employees rate their managers as effective. Employeeís evaluations of their managers are driven by the extent to which the manager displays the fundamentals of managerial competence: treating employees fairly, doing a good job at managing the teamís work and the team itself, and providing useful feedback to the employee.

There are important differences among cultures as well. Brazilian workers rate ethical conduct as a determinant of managerial effectiveness. Indian workers are more willing to do the very best for the company and have higher feelings of job security when working for an effective manager. German workers who view their managers as effective are more satisfied with their job.

For all workers studied, good managers have a significant, favorable impact on how these workers rate their pride in their organization, willingness to recommend it as a place to work and their overall job satisfaction. Additionally, those employees who are satisfied with their manager state a much higher intention to stay with the organization versus those who are dissatisfied. Additionally, those who rate their managers as good also feel they have a promising future with the company and have confidence in the organizationís future.

ìIt really boils down to two fundamental truths. Effective managers are respectful, considerate and fair, as well as good organizers who can clearly communicate work expectations and provide feedback. While this is easy to grasp conceptually, many managers struggle with implementation, but for those who get it, there are huge dividends,î said Jack Wiley, executive director, Kenexa Research Institute.