Perspectives on Managing Engineers

Abstract

Engineers, because of their unique backgrounds, educations and positions in the organization, possess special characteristics which must be recognized and dealt with by their managers. Insight into the engineering professionals—who they are, what they want, and how the manager can motivate them to achieve organizational goals—is provided. Research points to participatory management as a key element in helping the manager to recognize individual needs and assisting with development of individual career paths. The employee group is analyzed to aid the manager of engineers in the recognition of their needs, desires and problems. In addition, the individual needs of an engineer contemplating a transition to management are considered. Finally, a variety of topics related to overall organizational effectiveness are reviewed, i.e., communication, goal congruence, leadership, obsolescence, and professional development within the organizational structure.