Can organizations be successful without managers?

Answer 1

If you are the owner/operator, you do not need a manager. You would be the one who manage the business.

If you own a business, but do not want to spend time in it, then you have to have a manager. A manager is a person who monitor the day to day business activities. If there is no one in control of the business, it would be hard for the organization to survive.

Answer 2

Yes, it is possible, but not likely in my opinion.

First of all, the job of a good manager is to manage themselves right out of a job. If you hire self-starters and go-getters, no one has to sit there and tell them what to do...they just go do it.

If someone is hired who will not work to their potential without being micro-managed or pushed, then you have already lost out on not needing a manager.

WL Gore & Associates doesn't really have managers. I thought it was a pretty decent set-up when I worked there as an intern. We had meetings and you only committed to the jobs you felt you could take on. The only thing that was asked was that you fulfilled what you committed to. I use that same philosophy today with my group that I manage. I dont' care if your timeline is 2 months, don't make shorter commitments if you can't follow-through.

Answer 3

I think "manager" is just a title. We can call it leader, coordinator, supervisor, etc. It will be very difficult for an organization to survive, if a group of people operate without a coordinator.