Why do narcissistic managers dislike telecommuting?
A new study by Adam Grant, a professor of management at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, along with Marissa Schandel and Courtney Elliott, two doctoral students, shows that the most important common characteristic of managers who stubbornly oppose remote work is excessive egotism and pride.
While studies show that remote workers have equal or higher productivity, narcissistic managers need the physical presence of workers in the office to satisfy their desire for power, status, and personal influence so that they can demonstrate their dominance; A possibility that does not exist in video meetings or in virtual space.
Examining data from managers of large companies showed that narcissistic people are more strongly opposed to telecommuting; A motive that originates from the desire for power, not necessarily from a lack of trust in the employees.
However, the researchers emphasize that every manager is not against remote work and every opposition does not necessarily mean narcissism.
In order to be compatible with the hybrid work pattern, it is suggested that managers prioritize the quality of interactions over the number of days of presence and regard the working time as more important than its location.
Employees are also advised to avoid threats to the authority of narcissistic managers by respecting their managerial position when requesting remote work.
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The official channel of Donya Akhtaz newspaper.