Helicopter Bosses: Development and Validation of the Micromanagement Scale

Micromanagement (MM) is a popular topic in management circles, where its negative reputation is palpable. Surprisingly, academics have not shared this interest, resulting in a deficient understanding of MM marred by disjointed definitions and paradoxical views. Our research addresses this gap through a programmatic series of five studies that: (1) define the MM construct, (2) develop a psychometrically reliable and valid measure, and (3) validate a preliminary nomological network. Using combined deductive and inductive approaches, we establish a construct definition of MM. Subsequently, we develop and validate a 17-item Micromanagement Scale (MMS-17). Drawing on data from 10 distinct samples encompassing 2,098 individuals from diverse industries, we found that: (a) MM is a hierarchical construct with three key attributes (i.e., controlling, close monitoring, detail focus) and three key features (i.e., excessive, sustained, unnecessary), (b) the MMS-17 demonstrates discriminant validity vis-à-vis other leadership constructs (i.e., abusive supervision, authoritarian leadership, directive leadership, empowering leadership, initiating structure, participative leadership), and (d) the MMS-17 exhibits nomological validity through significant relationships with theorized antecedents (e.g., trust, leader-member exchange) and consequences (e.g., turnover intentions). We discuss the implications of the MMS’s availability for the study of micromanagement with special focus on future research directions and practical implications.