Developing team management styles through technological leadership ethos with consideration of generational differences
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17308/econ.2025.4/13357Keywords:
innovation, leadership, team, empathy, managerial pragmatismAbstract
Subject. The relevance of this research stems from new governmental initiatives aimed at establishing and maintaining technological leadership through innovation-driven industrial (technology) companies. These organizations employ project-based approaches and feature age-diverse teams working on such projects.
Purpose. To investigate the preferences of employees from different age groups regarding project team management styles, particularly those embodied by leaders and expressed through either goal-oriented (pragmatic) or relationship-oriented (empathetic) approaches.
Methodology. We employed axiological and anthropological methodological approaches, comparative and statistical analysis methods, and utilized a case study as a qualitative research tool.
Results. The study revealed a high level of interest in managerial support among older employees (45+), contrasted with low interest in direct supervisory involvement among middle-aged staff (30-44 years). Younger employees (20-29 years) placed greater importance on leaders demonstrating empathy but showed very low receptiveness to criticism, even when constructive. Meanwhile, mature workers (65+) demonstrated willingness to discuss mistakes and accept managerial advice. These findings formed the basis for implementing an organizational innovation at a Ural technology company, presented as a case study.
Conclusions. The identified differences in perception of leadership behaviors enable the development of tailored management approaches for heterogeneous teams engaged in innovation projects.
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References
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