Tl. Fox et Jw. Spence, An examination of the decision styles of project managers: Evidence of significant diversity, INF MANAGEM, 36(6), 1999, pp. 313-320
It has been suggested that the manner in which a project manager makes deci
sions can significantly influence his or her effectiveness and ultimately t
he design of systems under his or her direction. Arguments for a structured
, systematic approach, as well as arguments for a more well-rounded, 'whole
-brained' approach have been made. However, it is perhaps more important to
examine what project managers actually are. We surveyed a group of over 20
0 project managers from across the United States, attempting to measure the
ir decision making styles, especially as they relate to project management
activity. The survey not only identifies a person's propensity towards a pa
rticular style of decision making, but also his or her propensity towards b
rain dominance, an idea or action orientation, and a preferred management l
evel of decision making. The results of this study indicate that though eac
h project manager is unique, as a group project managers are well-rounded a
nd tend to solve problems utilizing a 'whole-brained' approach. (C) 1999 El
sevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.