What did Mintzberg find regarding the communication style of managers?

Mintzberg's research into managerial roles highlighted the significant reliance that managers have on verbal communication. This preference stems from the dynamic and fast-paced nature of managerial work, where face-to-face interactions, discussions, and negotiations play a crucial role in decision-making and relationship-building. Managers often need immediate feedback and clarification that verbal communication facilitates, allowing them to effectively handle day-to-day operations and engage with their teams.

The effectiveness of verbal communication in a managerial context is also attributed to its ability to convey tone, build rapport, and express urgency or importance in ways that written communication may not. This understanding reinforces why managers prioritize speaking over writing when engaging with employees or stakeholders.

In contrast, while writing has its place in managerial communication—particularly for documentation and formal correspondence—Mintzberg's findings indicate that managers favor verbal interactions to foster real-time communication and collaboration.