Overmanaged: meaning, definitions and examples
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overmanaged
[ ˌoʊvərˈmænɪdʒd ]
management style
Overmanaged refers to a situation where too much control or oversight is applied to a process, project, or team. This often leads to reduced flexibility and can stifle creativity, as individuals feel constrained by excessive rules and regulations.
Synonyms
micromanaged, overcontrolled, overregulated.
Examples of usage
- The project failed due to overmanaged processes.
- Her creativity was stifled in an overmanaged environment.
- Employees reported dissatisfaction with the overmanaged approach.
Etymology
The word 'overmanaged' is a compound of the prefix 'over-' denoting excess, and 'managed,' the past participle of 'manage,' which originates from the Italian 'maneggiare' meaning 'to handle' or 'to control.' 'Manage' was first recorded in English around the early 14th century, connected to controlling or directing affairs. As the notion of management evolved through the 20th century, especially during the industrial era, the concept of overmanaging began to emerge in corporate environments to signify the negative implications of excessive control over workers. The modern understanding emphasizes the balance necessary in leadership, warning that overmanagement can hinder performance and morale.