The Management Model is a set of decisions company leaders make about the future direction their business should take. These decisions shape behaviors and practices in the company. The management model helps managers make decisions that benefit the company and, consequently, its employees.

In other words, the management model comprises executives’ choices about how they will define objectives, motivate efforts, coordinate activities, and allocate resources; in other words, the process for defining how work should be carried out. It comprises a set of principles and practices to guide a company in decision-making and provides a structure for managers to evaluate and analyze situations, set goals, and make decisions.

Management models are based on a variety of principles, philosophies, theories and approaches. Among others, the most common models include general systems theory, the contingency approach, behaviorism, and organizational culture. Each of these models has a specific set of principles and practices used to develop a suitable work environment.

Management models are important because they provide a consistent approach to decision-making and problem-solving. They also help ensure that all employees have a clear understanding of their duties and responsibilities to provide better business performance. In addition, management models can be used to develop and implement consistent policies, processes and procedures.

Finding the best management model for a company is, in general, a complex task—but by no means is it impossible!

There are numerous approaches and terminologies dealing with management models. Figure 1 presents some of the management models covered in the bibliography.

1. Management by Objectives

This model seeks to improve the performance of a company, in that it provides a clear definition of the objectives to be pursued by senior management and employees. This model seeks to encourage employees to participate in the goal-setting process. When senior management and other employees come together to develop the action plan to achieve goals, a sense of commitment among all involved is generated.

2. Situational Leadership

Developed by Dr. Paul Hersey, this is a powerful model that ensures that all leaders can efficiently influence both superiors and subordinates, focusing on supporting team members to achieve their goals and become more prepared workers. Managers who use this model closely observe their teams and offer constant feedback.

3. SMART Management

SMART is an acronym that means specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely. This model assists with setting and achieving goals.

4. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a well-known theory of motivation in psychology that involves a five-tier model in the form of a pyramid, each tier a “level of hierarchy” for employees to ascend in pursuit of achievement. The model was proposed by Abraham Maslow in his article “A Theory of Human Motivation,” published in 1943 in the journal Psychological Review.

The five tiers of human needs defined by Maslow begin at the base with the most basic needs of the human being, directly related to survival: physiological, safety and security, love and belonging, self-esteem, and self-actualization.

5. Management model based on Lewin’s theory of change

Lewin’s model is popular because it is simple to follow. It consists of these three steps:

1. Unfreeze — create motivation for change to “unfreeze” the current state of the company. Tell employees why change is essential and how it will benefit them and the company.
2. Change — stimulate employee initiatives. Support flexibility and problem-solving among employees.
3. Refreeze — reintroduce a sense of stability in the company after implementing the necessary changes. After that, you can consider it “frozen.”

In sum, the management model is a system of principles and practices used to guide a company in its decision-making processes and is important for achieving superior performance. It provides a framework for managers to evaluate and analyze situations, set goals and make decisions. Different management models can be used to create a pleasant, stimulating work environment and ensure that all employees clearly understand their roles and responsibilities.