How is a manager's work typically characterized according to Mintzberg?

The correct characterization of a manager's work according to Mintzberg is fragmentation, brevity, and variety. Mintzberg's research revealed that managers often engage in a wide range of tasks within a short period, making their work highly fragmented. They must switch between different activities and responsibilities quickly, leading to this sense of brevity. Additionally, the variety of tasks that managers face—ranging from dealing with people and processes to handling crises—emphasizes the dynamic and diverse nature of their roles.

Further, the nature of management work involves responding to immediate concerns and issues, which contributes to its fragmented and brief nature. Managers also need to be adaptable, as their daily tasks can vary significantly from day to day or even hour to hour, enhancing the variety aspect of their work. This perspective helps illuminate the complexities involved in management, contrasting with more rigid or predictable views of managerial roles.