1258: Helicopter Bosses: Development and Validation of the Micromanagement Scale (10593)

Designated as a “Best Paper” by MOC
view abridged “best paper” (if available)

Micromanagement (MM) is a popular topic in management circles, where its negative reputation is palpable. Surprisingly, academics have not shared this interest, resulting in a deficient understanding of MM marred by disjointed definitions and paradoxical views. Our research addresses this gap through a programmatic series of five studies that: (1) define the MM construct, (2) develop a psychometrically reliable and valid measure, and (3) validate a preliminary nomological network. Using combined deductive and inductive approaches, we establish a construct definition of MM. Subsequently, we develop and validate a 17-item Micromanagement Scale (MMS-17). Drawing on data from 10 distinct samples encompassing 2,098 individuals from diverse industries, we found that: (a) MM is a hierarchical construct with three key attributes (i.e., controlling, close monitoring, detail focus) and three key features (i.e., excessive, sustained, unnecessary), (b) the MMS-17 demonstrates discriminant validity vis-à-vis other leadership constructs (i.e., abusive supervision, authoritarian leadership, directive leadership, empowering leadership, initiating structure, participative leadership), and (d) the MMS-17 exhibits nomological validity through significant relationships with theorized antecedents (e.g., trust, leader-member exchange) and consequences (e.g., turnover intentions). We discuss the implications of the MMS’s availability for the study of micromanagement with special focus on future research directions and practical implications.

view paper (if available)