Malmanage

To manage or control something, typically an organization, a project, or resources, poorly or incompetently; to administer in a way that is detrimental or ineffective. It implies a lack of skill, foresight, or proper planning, resulting in negative consequences such as failure, inefficiency, loss, or damage. The scope of the 'something' can range from a small department to a large corporation or even a nation, and the outcomes can be financial, operational, or reputational. It suggests active mismanagement rather than simply a lack of management.

Malmanage meaning with examples

• The new CEO was swiftly accused of malmanaging the company. His decisions, focused on short-term profits, led to significant employee layoffs and a decline in product quality. This poor leadership not only damaged the company's financial stability but also severely impacted employee morale and the company's public image, leading to calls for his resignation. The long-term consequences of his malmanagement are still being felt.
• The committee's project to redesign the town square was significantly delayed due to their apparent malmanagement of the allocated funds. They failed to properly track expenses, resulting in budget overruns, and the project fell far behind schedule. The lack of coordination between different teams and the slow decision-making process further aggravated the problems, eventually rendering the planned grand opening impossible.
• The government's response to the natural disaster was widely criticized for its malmanagement of the relief efforts. Essential supplies failed to reach those affected, rescue teams were deployed inefficiently, and communication with the public was poor. The lack of a well-defined plan and the mismanagement of available resources increased the suffering and resulted in unnecessary deaths and delays in recovery.
• The team's failure to secure the contract could be blamed on a pattern of malmanaging client relationships. They frequently missed deadlines for proposals, failed to follow up on inquiries promptly, and struggled to understand the client's needs. The lack of attention to detail and the inability to provide timely and relevant information ultimately led to the loss of the lucrative contract, damaging their reputation.