More than 30 years ago, Henry Mintzberg highlighted the challenges faced by upper-level management in large US corporations in his influential work, which revealed the extreme stress and accountability these leaders experience. Critical factors such as pressure from boards and shareholders, time constraints, and constant work overload raise significant concerns about decision-making quality, posing risks to organizational survival. In the context of today's economic crisis, which also reflects a broader crisis in the management profession, Mintzberg's findings are increasingly pertinent. Despite this, rigorous studies in the field remain scarce. In "The Nature of Executive Work," Emilio Matthaei expands on Mintzberg's research and the Work Activity School of management. Through an exploratory study of twelve senior executives from large global corporations, Matthaei offers a fresh perspective on executive responsibilities. His research involves detailed analysis of the work patterns of these executives over one month, utilizing calendar transcripts and interview records, providing valuable insights into the complexities of high-level management today.
