Deinfluentization and self‐monitoring as influence regulation tactics of Polish women and men managers

Abstract

Purpose

According to the situational theories of leadership managers should adapt their influence tactics to situational demands but there is still a constant problem with managerial influence because managers using influence (whether “hard” or “soft”) mostly “cling” to it. The paper examines how managers regulate their influences with the help of deinfluentization (DEI) – the ability to consciously withdraw one's influence and self‐monitoring (S‐M) – the ability to regulate one's image in the presence of others and to compare women's and men's managerial abilities.

Design/methodology/approach

Research work was conducted in one of the largest electro‐energy organization's /N=169 managers/ as a part of regular annual managers' appraisal procedure. A S‐M scale was used, scale of managers's influence and DEI scales that the author had constructed.

Findings

Analysis revealed different patterns of DEI and S‐M connected with high and low appraisal. High DEI and high self‐monitors were perceived as the most effective managers no matter what kind of influence they used. Women managers made up half of this group.

Practical implications

Developing “clinging to influence” managerial behaviour brings too much stress and pressure for both women and men managers. Managers should enrich their knowledge about influence regulation tactics as DEI and S‐M. Women managers should not only give up their femininity but also enrich their managerial role with DEI behaviour and make it part of their own strengths.

Originality/value

The paper supports the theoretical work on S‐M and aids in understanding how the human capital in an organization can be used better.

Citation

Kożusznik, B. (2006), "Deinfluentization and self‐monitoring as influence regulation tactics of Polish women and men managers", Women in Management Review, Vol. 21 No. 2, pp. 131-142. https://doi.org/10.1108/09649420610650701