Bosses are 'authoritarian and secretive' says survey

Only one in 10 workers believed their bosses were accessible, usually describing them as authoritarian, bureaucratic or secretive, according to a new report today.

The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) said its survey of 500 employees showed that the country's economic recovery was at risk because of the "dominant" style of managers.

The study also found that more than a third of employees would prefer to be managed by Conservative leader David Cameron, compared with a fifth preferring Gordon Brown or Nick Clegg.

Ruth Spellman, chief executive of the CMI, said: "It is an embarrassment for the UK that over half of companies' management style is seen to be negative by the people that know them best - their employees.

"In case bosses think this doesn't matter as long as they are turning a profit, think again. Goodwill and engagement among employees doesn't only improve people's working lives but it adds to the bottom line - in productivity, retention rates and customer loyalty.

"Negativity breeds negativity and if we are serious about pushing the UK towards economic recovery, we need more businesses that are innovative, accessible and empowering."

The CMI today launched an online guide for managers, offering advice as well as information about their strengths.