ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT BEHAVIOURS
Managers who display real care about their customers and employees and have a strong commitment
to the value of people and fair and equitable processes within their internal and external work
environments are considered to be adaptive managers. It seems obvious that they will find it easier to
transact, negotiate and communicate more effectively because they respect others’ viewpoints and trust
their expertise. This is particularly true in turbulent times and in response to unexpected events when
managers often have to ask employees to take on the extra load.
Managers who are insular and who misuse power, politics and ‘the system’ to distance themselves from
their clients and employees are termed maladaptive managers. They are often risk-averse and care
mainly about themselves and their immediate clique. Innovative ideas and change are ‘not their friends’.
We may refer in the Unit to adaptive or maladaptive behaviours if referring to an individual manager, or
as an adaptive or maladaptive culture if referring to an entire organisation.