In the classic monkey management metaphor, responsibility for the next move jumps to the manager when the manager takes ownership of a subordinate's problem.

Format Web Page

Location PART 1 - TONS OF PUNKS, ONE BIG JERK CHAPTER 3: TOUCHGRASS Passing the Monkey Around

"In the classic monkey management metaphor, responsibility for the next move jumps to the manager when the manager takes ownership of a subordinate’s problem."

Harvard Business Review describes the monkey moving from subordinate to manager when the manager accepts responsibility for deciding the subordinate's next move.

View Source

Source title Management Time: Who's Got the Monkey?

Source authors William Oncken, Jr.; Donald L. Wass

Source year 1999

Confidence high

Importance mid