Dealing With an Authoritarian Management Style In IT?

A New Cog asks: "My software development group, including my manager, was moved recently under another bigger group with different style of management. The new objective for the group is to 'speak as one person', meaning that the reasons behind management decisions are well understood and technical information is well communicated. At first, it seemed to be a very good thing to do. In reality, it was just a disguised authoritarian method of imposing information censorship and making sure there is no opposition within. We used to cooperate openly with each other and people from other groups, exchanging opinions and ideas, but after few schooling sessions in front of the bigger group, everyone is now quietly doing what they are told. Now, there is less and less satisfaction from the work I do. Is this just a sign of maturing organization and transitional pain is a necessary side effect in order to have a better future, or is this a sign of things to come. I feel that no true creativity is going to happen in place where motivation and productivity are affected by frustration and threat of loosing one's job? I like my job, but what can I do now in order to keep my satisfaction with it?"

Comments

You need a role model.

[paulthomas]

Might I suggest the BOFH?

Re:You're not doomed..

[tomhudson]

Have a few drinks with your coworkers (and NOT the boss) once a week just to get it off your chest.

Nah, you should bring the boss ... this way, they pay for it! After all, they'll just write it off as a business expense anyway, and after a decade of drinking as part of the job, you can claim disability - work turned you into an alcoholic. Its the Amercian Way - sue your way to a happy retirement!

Screw it, I've got karma to burn:

[Vengeance]

Working for the Bush administration, are we?

What To Do

[ajs318]

1. Join a trade union.
2. Wait statutory 24 hours.
3. Order your "Strike In a Box" pack. This contains everything you need to organise an effective industrial dispute:
   • 200 blank ballot forms seeking approval for industrial action
   • 200 pre-crossed ballot forms approving industrial action
   • 20 assorted placards
   • 2 loud-hailers
   • CD of protest chants, songs and slogans (incl. "Maggie Thatcher Has One, Ian McGregor Is One" and "Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle All the Way, I'd Sooner Be a Picket Than a Scab on Christmas Day")
   • 200 matching song sheets
   • 1 Easy-Light Brazier
   • 500m. "Official Picket Line - Do Not Cross" tape
   • 1 Order form for additional items incl. extra ballot forms, flying pickets (available by the coachload) &c.
   • 1 voucher for support from local Socialist Worker
4. Go on strike
5. Claim strike pay

NB. You must become a member of a Trade Union at least 24 hours in advance of any industrial action. You will not be eligible for strike pay unless a ballot has been conducted and voted in favour of action. A picket line is not official unless a brazier is kept alight at all times.