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Micromanaged Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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micromanaged

[ˌmaɪkroʊˈmænɪdʒd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

work environment

Micromanaged refers to the act of closely observing or controlling the work of others to an excessive degree. This approach can lead to decreased morale and productivity among employees, as they may feel that their autonomy is being undermined.

Synonyms

controlled, overmanaged, supervised closely.

Examples of usage

  • She felt micromanaged by her supervisor during the project.
  • Employees often dislike being micromanaged because it stifles creativity.
  • In a micromanaged environment, team members may not take initiative.
  • Micromanagement can lead to high turnover rates in a company.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Individuals who are micromanaged often experience increased anxiety and lower job satisfaction.
  • Research shows that excessive oversight can lead to decreased motivation and creativity among workers.

Workplace Culture

  • In many companies, a micromanagement style is frowned upon as it can harm team dynamics and lead to high turnover rates.
  • Employees thrive better when trusted to manage their own projects, indicating that fostering independence leads to productivity.

Historical Context

  • The rise of micromanagement practices is often associated with the shift to more structured corporate environments post-World War II.
  • The growth of technology has enabled managers to monitor tasks more closely than ever, often resulting in micromanagement.

Pop Culture

  • In various films and television shows, micromanagement is often depicted humorously as a characteristic of overbearing bosses.
  • Books on leadership frequently encourage avoiding micromanagement, highlighting it as a common pitfall for new managers.

Origin of 'micromanaged'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from 'micro' meaning small, and 'manage,' which refers to controlling or overseeing.
  • It started gaining popularity in management language during the late 20th century, especially in corporate settings.

The term 'micromanage' is a combination of 'micro-', meaning small or miniature, and 'manage', which has its roots in the Italian word 'maneggiare' meaning to handle or control, derived from 'manus', the Latin word for hand. The concept of micromanagement became relevant in workplace discussions during the late 20th century, particularly as organizational structures began to emphasize the importance of employee autonomy and empowerment. The negative connotations associated with micromanagement highlight the tension between management authority and employee independence. By the early 21st century, it evolved into common business vernacular, representing a management style that can be detrimental to team dynamics and individual performance.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,738, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.