Control the flow!

While we are looking at Public Relations we must not forget the basics. Intern Communication is the link to 'good' Public Relations. Tayeb (1996) has categorized 4 different management styles styles with their corresponding traits concerning relationship towards subordinates and decision making.

1. Autocratic Manager
In relationship towards subordinates he has little confidence in subordinates and makes most of the decisions alone.

2. Benevolent Autocratic Manager
In relationship towards subordinates he patronizes the organizations and some decisions are allowed to be made by subordinates.

3. Consultative Autocratic Manager
In relationship towards subordinates h has confidence and trusts and the manager has final say but seeks views of subordinates before making an decision.

4. Participative Democratic Manager
In relationship towards subordinates he has complete trust and confidence in subordinates and decentralizes the decision making process.

The management style should be more of a leadership model if creativity is to be maximised. Several significant differences between management and leadership were compiled on the website of the institute for Management Excellence, (Management versus Leadership styles, 1996) these differences are extremes and should not be followed exactly.

Management characteristics are shown to be punishment, imposition of discipline, control, hierarchy, rigidity, control of information and no interest in new ideas, while the counterparts, of leadership are rewards, value of creativity, change, network, flexibility, information availability and the seeking art of new ideas.

Networking as a leadership quality will, however, build upon the relationships within the organization and encourage open communication. The relationship with, and between, people is important, as employees will then have the feeling that they can contribute ideas.

Written by Jitske