Pic: IndiaPicture

In today's globalised economy, there are still specific facets that continue to remain exclusive to a certain region only. We profile different people-management styles and discovers what sets each one apart from the rest.

Daizo Ito, president, Panasonic India

The management style: The Japanese management style is very democratic in nature. It is people-oriented (thus focusing on personnel/human resources management) and work-oriented (thus focusing mainly on production and engineering functions including time management and quality control). The concepts of "Wa" (harmony), "Shage" (corporate constitution) and "Shakun" (code of behaviour) are embedded in the Japanese management philosophy. The board of directors form a significant authority within the management structure and this is where the democratic leadership shines.

Talent management: In Japan, we follow a democratic leadership style. We believe ideas and creativity flow freely in a democratic environment and encourage the team to communicate their views. Effective communication within the team and allowing a free environment involving all team members is the key to success here.

Dr Manas Fuloria, co-founder & executive vice president, Nagarro Software (operating in the UK, Sweden, Germany and Austria)

The management style: The European style is more humanistic, less flamboyant, and less CEO-worshipping. For example, the German management style heavily favours leaders who are technically strong. The German organisation is fairly hierarchical and it is not common for people lower in the organisation to fraternise with the top bosses. The Austrian management culture is similar to the German in being hierarchical but there is an increased politeness and warmth in the conduct of work. The UK management culture is not technically-oriented and is more like the US in that respect.

Talent management: The work culture of Europe is all about balance (the UK may be considered an exception). Europeans work short hours, take long vacations, take long maternity and paternity breaks, and when not working, are truly "not working". On the other hand, they really appear to enjoy their work and give it their best during work hours.

AntonyJacob, chief executive officer, Apollo Munich Health Insurance

The management style: In the Middle East, there are three types of companies - local companies, joint ventures and MNCs operating out of the region. Depending on the ownership pattern and organisational philosophy, the management style could either be autocratic or paternalistic or even democratic.

Talent management: As far as the talent management style goes, companies in the Middle East have a larger scope to improve as compared to other regions. They can do a lot more to upgrade their local talent pool; alongside; they need to find appropriate best practices to nurture and advance talent from developing countries.

Marc Effron, president, The Talent Strategy Group and author of One Page Talent Management (Harvard Business Press, 2010)

The management  style: As a very diverse country, american managers practice a wide variety of management styles. They practice some blend of participative management and an authoritarian style (top-down direction setting and decision making). Most companies' hierarchies have been flattened over the past ten years, so there are typically no more than six or seven layers between an executive and a front-line employee. An ‘open door' approach to management would be rather common in many companies.

Talent management: There's no common approach to talent management in America. While a company in Silicon Valley might give you an incredible experience (but expect you to work 18 hours a day with little job security), an insurance company in Chicago might still have the goal of lifetime employment and consistently accept moderate levels of performance. Most employers highly value their employees, want to give them an engaging work experience and get the best possible performance from them.

John He, CEO, Shenzhen Donjin, Communication Tech Co. Ltd

The management  style: Different industries in China follow different styles of management. The manufacturing industry is mostly driven by an autocratic style of management. However, in the elite industries like IT and telecom, the management style is both - democratic and parental. Some companies have a very flat structure and are driven mainly by the owner, while in some, the top management is generally a board and the decision of the organisation is taken in consultation with the general mass of the company.

Talent management: The first phase of talent management involves grooming the employees keeping in mind the long-term objectives of the organisation and once groomed sufficiently, phase two involves retaining the trained personnel. While the first part is easy, the second one is difficult since China today has abundant opportunities for a talented individual.

- Yasmin Taj