Managerial Practices Survey

MPS 16-4
Instructions: Please describe how much your boss uses each managerial practice or leadership
behavior. The term "unit" refers to the team, department, division, or company for which your boss
is the designated leader, and the term "members" refers to the people who report directly to your
boss. Think about each type of behavior separately, and do not allow your general evaluation of the
manager to bias your answers about specific behaviors. For each item, select one of the following
response choices and write the number or code for it on the line provided.
5

To a Very great extent

To a Considerable extent

To a Moderate extent

To a Limited extent

Not at all, or Not applicable

Clarifying
___
___
___
___

1.
2.
3.
4.

Clearly explains the job responsibilities and task assignments of members

Explains what results are expected for a task or assignment
Explains the rules, policies, and standard procedures that must be followed
Sets specific performance goals and deadlines for important aspects of the work

Supporting
___
___
___
___

5.
6.
7.
8.

Shows concern for the needs and feelings of individual members of the work unit
Provides support and encouragement when there is a difficult or stressful task
Expresses confidence that members of the unit can perform a difficult task
Shows sympathy and understanding when a member is worried or upset

Envisioning
___ 9. Describes a proposed change or new initiative with enthusiasm and optimism
___ 10. Describes a clear, appealing vision for the work unit or organization
___ 11. Describes exciting new opportunities for the work unit or organization
___ 12. Talks in an inspiring way about what can be accomplished in the future
External Monitoring
___
___
___
___

13.
14.
15.
16.

Uses social networks and contacts with outsiders to get useful information
Keeps informed about advances in technology that are relevant for the work
Tries to learn about the needs and preferences of potential customers
Analyzes external events and trends to identify threats and opportunities
Copyright 2012 by Gary Yukl

Planning Activities
___
___
___
___

17.
18.
19.
20.

Develops short-term plans for accomplishing the work units tasks

Plans and organizes unit activities to use people, equipment, and resources efficiently
Identifies the sequence and schedule of action steps needed to carry out a project
Schedules work activities to avoid delays, duplication of effort, and wasted resources

Recognizing
___
___
___
___

21.
22.
23.
24.

Praises effective performance by members of the work unit

Provides recognition for member achievements or important contributions
Provides recognition for good performance by the team or work unit
Recommends high performing members for appropriate rewards

Encouraging Innovation
___
___
___
___

25.
26.
27.
28.

Encourages innovative thinking and creative solutions to problems

Talks about the importance of innovation and flexibility for the success of the unit
Encourages members to look for better ways to accomplish work unit objectives
Asks questions that encourage members to think about old problems in new ways

Representing
___
___
___
___

29.
30.
31.
32.

Promotes a favorable image for the work unit with superiors and outsiders
Makes a persuasive presentation to get more funding or resources for the work unit
Negotiates favorable agreements for the work unit or organization
Meets with peers or outsiders to coordinate related activities with them

Monitoring Operations
___
___
___
___

33.
34.
35.
36.

Checks on the progress and quality of the work

Evaluates how well important tasks or projects are being performed
Requests progress reports for an important task or assignment
Evaluates the job performance of unit members in a systematic way

Developing Member Skills

___
___
___
___

37.
38.
39.
40.

Provides helpful feedback and coaching to members who need it

Makes assignments that allow members to develop more skills and confidence
Provides helpful career advice and mentoring to members
Encourages members to use available opportunities for improving their skills

Encouraging Collective Learning

___
___
___
___

41.
42.
43.
44.

Looks for ways to adapt best practices used by other work units or organizations
Encourages members to try new methods and learn how they affect performance
Conducts a review session after an activity to learn what can be improved
Encourages sharing of new knowledge with other members of the organization

Networking
___
___
___
___

45.
46.
47.
48.

Attends social and professional events to meet people with useful information
Builds and maintains a wide network of contacts among peers and outsiders
Joins social networks that include outsiders with useful information
Develops cooperative relations with people who can provide resources and assistance

Problem Solving
___
___
___
___

49.
50.
51.
52.

Recognizes the early stage of a problem that is likely to disrupt the work
Quickly determines the cause of a problem before taking corrective action
Resolves work-related problems promptly to prevent unnecessary costs or delays
Handles work-related problems in a confident and decisive way

Empowering
___ 53.
___ 54.
___ 55.
___ 56.

Encourages members to take responsibility for determining how to do their work

Asks members for their ideas and suggestions when making important work decisions
Modifies a proposal or plan to include member suggestions and deal with their concerns
Encourages members to resolve problems on their own when they have a good solution

Advocating Change
___
___
___
___

57.
58.
59.
60.

Explains why changes are necessary to deal with an emerging threat or opportunity
Explains why a policy or procedure is no longer appropriate and should be changed
Proposes relevant changes in objectives or strategies for the work unit or organization
Takes personal risks to push for approval of essential but difficult changes

Ethical Leadership
___
___
___
___

61.
62.
63.
64.

Communicates clear ethical standards and guidelines for members

Sets an example of ethical behavior in his/her decisions and actions
Insists on doing what is fair and ethical even when it is not easy
Opposes the use of unethical practices to improve performance