management by walking around


management by walking around (MBWA)

an approach to MANAGEMENT which emphasizes the value of observing what goes on in the ORGANIZATION and of displaying a high profile to subordinates. In this model, good managers are those who spend much of their time discussing work issues with colleagues and subordinates, rather than those who rely on issuing formal instructions from the seclusion of their offices. By wandering around in this way the manager will come to recognize and understand the informal relationships and activities that can both facilitate and obstruct the achievement of organizational goals. Compare MANAGEMENT BY OBJECTIVES.