Relating management practices to job characteristics of R&D: The case of Taiwan

Based on a study of researchers in three major R&D industries in Taiwan, this article found that while both supportive and directive styles of management are important in the supervision of R&D processes, the supportive behavior seems to be more effective than the directive strategy in motivating research professionals at work. Data also indicated that the job characteristics of R&D may be significantly influenced by industrial conditions. The management differences between industries are explained in the features peculiar to each particular industry. Implications of the findings fbr enhancing the management effect are also discussed.