RENSIS LIKERT

Described 'new patterns of management' based on the behaviours of managers

Four main patterns:
 

1. Exploitative - authoritative where power and direction come from the top downwards', where threats and punishment are employed, where communication is poor and teamwork non-existent. Productivity is typically mediocre	'Rational economic man'
2. Benevolent - authoritative is similar to the above but allows some upward opportunities for consultation and some delegation. Rewards may be available as well as threats. Productivity is typically fair to good but at cost of considerable absenteeism and turnover	Weaker version of 'rational - economic man'
3. Consultative where goals are set or orders issued after discussion with subordinates, where communication is upwards and downwards and where teamwork is encouraged, at least partially. Some involvement of employees as a motivator	'social man'
4. Participative - group is reckoned by many to be the ideal system. Under this system, the keynote is participation, leading to commitment to the organisation's goals in a fully co-operative way. Communication is both upwards, downwards and lateral. Motivation is obtained by a variety of means. Productivity is excellent and absenteeism and turnover are low	Self - actualising man (see also McGregor: theory Y)

Another useful way of looking at this is that (1) is a highly task-orientated management style, whereas (4) is a highly people-orientated management style.

Advantages

Essentially Likert's work gives more alternatives in the spectrum between Theory X and Theory Y of McGregor
Disadvantage

• criticised for being based more on theory than empirical practice. Therefore not widely accepted by practising managers.