The Upward Mobile, Indifferent, and Ambivalent Typology of Managers
Source: WeLibHenry O. Pruden’s study set out to test a theory about how managers adapt to life in large organizations. The theory, first developed by Robert Presthus, divides managers into three groups: the upward mobile, the indifferent, and the ambivalent. To see if this classification held true in practice, Pruden surveyed 150 American businessmen from different industries. He measured factors such as job satisfaction, career goals, feelings of alienation, openness to outside ideas, and organizational rank, then used a mathematical clustering method to check whether managers naturally fell into these three categories.
The results showed a strong match with the theory. Upward mobiles were generally happy in their jobs, closely identified with their organizations, held higher positions, and felt little alienation. Indifferents were also satisfied but had low ambition, treating work mainly as a way to support their personal lives outside the office. Ambivalents, on the other hand, were often dissatisfied and alienated. They wanted status and power but resisted the strict, conformist roles required to achieve them.
In conclusion, the study confirmed that Presthus’s typology is valid and useful for understanding how managers behave in organizations. It also suggested practical lessons: leaders should recognize that different types of managers need different approaches. Upward mobiles thrive on career opportunities and recognition, indifferents respond better to incentives that support balance between work and personal life, and ambivalents require careful handling since they want success but struggle with organizational discipline.
5 Mei 27 Mei 28 April 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 April 2023 Dokumen Dokumen Kinerja Dokumen Perencanaan Februari 2024 Februari 2025 Inspektorat Daerah Januari 2024 Kecamatan Kementerian Dalam Negeri Kinerja Laporan Hasil Evaluasi Laporan Hasil Evaluasi AKIP Laporan Hasil Evaluasi AKIP Tahun 2022 Laporan Hasil Evaluasi AKIP Tahun 2023 Laporan Hasil Evaluasi AKIP Tahun 2024 Maret 2025 Mei 2024 Mei 2025 Music Music Album Musrenbang Musrenbang Kecamatan Musrenbang RKPD Musrenbang RKPD Tahun 2025 Peraturan Bupati Pirate Rencana Kerja Pemerintah Daerah Rencana Pembangunan Jangka Menengah Daerah RKPD Tahun 2025 RKPD Tahun 2026 RPJMD Tahun 2025-2029 SAKIP SAKIP Tahun 2024 Sekretariat Daerah Surat Edaran
“They’re not gonna catch us. We’re on a mission from God.”
“No one ever wins a fight”
“¿Quiere usted bailar conmigo?”
“Sate, 200 tusuk makan di sini.”
“There’s no place like home.”
“Say ‘hello’ to my little friend!”
“I love the smell of napalm in the morning.”
“I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.”
“You talkin’ to me?”
