Managerial career learning in engineering: An integrated approach

Quey-Jen Yeh, Tai Ping Chang

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Career-related continual learning often involves formal and informal, off- and on-the-job learning, as characterized by the three types: formal off-the-job classroom learning, informal self-training, and task characteristics learning. A questionnaire survey and Structural Equation Modeling serves to test propositions pertaining to the interactive effects of these three categories of learning. The model derives from implicit belief and self-efficacy theories, which stress how personal beliefs help translate external data. A career stage and work characteristic model also provides guidelines for designing managerial task characteristics for engineering. The sample, representing 449 engineering careerists from six technical enterprises in Taiwan, comprises both R&D and general engineers and managers. The results suggest that the best managerial learning occurs after engineers practice management at work. Of the three learning methods, self-training engenders the most benefits, though the creation of these benefits depends on the task characteristics of the on-the-job learning opportunities offered by organizations. Namely, the combined way generates the best learning way for management in engineering. Off-the-job classroom training should be provided to young engineers, who have not yet had chances to learn management in the workplace. Overall, the findings suggest that management is learnable; however, it requires proper multiscale measurements to reflect engineers' actual learning experience.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 1st International Technology Management Conference, ITMC 2011
Pages61-66
Number of pages6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011 Sept 26
Event1st International Technology Management Conference, ITMC 2011 - San Jose, CA, United States
Duration: 2011 Jun 272011 Jun 30

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 1st International Technology Management Conference, ITMC 2011

Other

Other1st International Technology Management Conference, ITMC 2011
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Jose, CA
Period11-06-2711-06-30

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Management of Technology and Innovation

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