How to improve product management effectiveness

This study examines the decision-making roles and the time and energy demands felt by product managers. Also investigated are the aspects of the job associated with job satisfaction. As in earlier studies, the job-related responsibilities of product managers were found to span many strategic and tactical areas. The results suggest that product managers spend the greatest time working with those in sales, R&D, and production with a moderate amount of contact with advertising and product service. Many product managers feel that they would do their job better if they could spend more time on strategy-related efforts and less time on working to expedite projects through other departments. Several specific job components are identified that should be in place if product managers are expected to be satisfied with their jobs.