Public Administration ETDs

Publication Date

5-21-1970

Abstract

The field of management development contains a multitude of alternative programs, which are presented as solutions to the problems of developing managers. The thesis of this paper is that prior to examining solutions, the problem must be defined in basic considerations evaluated. The considerations deemed most important are behavioral and systems considerations.

To reflect a specific area of research and a meaningful area of concern, the paper focuses on the scientist and engineer within the environmental constraints of federal government employment. Specifically, this paper is concerned with the transformation from scientists or engineer two competent manager within the federal government.

The research approach consists of extensive secondary research concentrating on empirical research findings in the behavioral area, and centered on the work of C. West Churchmen in the systems area. Applicability of elements in these two areas to management development is examined. The secondary research is supplemented with selected interviews, primarily with personnel who hold positions of responsibility for management development.

A major conclusion of this paper is that management development can be a mechanism for mutual satisfaction of organizational and individual needs under certain conditions. These conditions are shown to include a psychologically healthy organization and the use of Theory Y assumptions by top management. Under these conditions, a management development program can serve as a mechanism to disseminate throughout the organization, management applications based on Theory Y assumptions. An additional conclusion is that a management development program based on a systems approach can serve to smooth the transition from scientist or engineer to manager. The systems approach serves as a basic framework within which each organization can develop a meaningful program to meet its own unique requirements.

Prior to establishing a new management development program or during the evaluation phase of an existing program, the paper recommends that basic considerations, primarily of a behavioral and systems nature, be evaluated.

Degree Name

Public Administration

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

School of Public Administration

First Committee Member (Chair)

Albert H. Rosenthal

Second Committee Member

Lloyd Wilber Wooruff

Third Committee Member

Lloyd Wilber Wooruff

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

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