Why ‘Managing by Walking Around’ Can Backfire, According to New Research

A study finds that scripted walk‑arounds may make employees feel monitored rather than supported.

BY KIT EATON @KITEATON

One of the many iconic Shakespeare moments is when King Henry the Fifth, “Harry,” walks around to chat with and motivate his troops on the eve of the battle of Agincourt. It’s a powerful scene. And it has a weird parallel in one popular business leadership trick: the office “walk-around.” Managers amble among their workers’ cubicles and desks, imparting a little advice, checking in, asking about progress. The goal is to seem more accessible, and get a finger on the workforce’s pulse. But new research says sometimes this habit can actually do more harm than good, particularly if it feels forced or unnatural.

The study, by two Idaho State University management professors, looked into the walk-around habit which Phys.org explains was popularized by Bill........

© Inc.com