Under-Management: The Silent Crisis in Leadership, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: This article explores the concept of under-management, where leaders fail to provide sufficient direction, feedback, resources, or accountability to their employees. While the problems of micromanagement are well-known, under-management represents the opposite extreme - an absence of management altogether. The article discusses the causes of under-management, such as heavy workloads, lack of management training, and hands-off leadership styles, as well as its consequences, which can include lack of direction, poor performance, low morale, and higher turnover. To address under-management, the article recommends that leaders adopt a balanced approach, setting clear expectations, providing constructive feedback, being available for guidance, conducting regular reviews, empowering decision-making, and acknowledging successes. The goal is an active yet non-intrusive partnership where employees have autonomy but leadership remains visibly involved through open communication and collaborative problem-solving.