Management Development and Career Success

This chapter suggests a possible explanation and focuses on a preliminary test. Management development comprises a range of activities, from formal training courses to informal learning processes closely tied to the job, such as coaching and shadowing. The implementation of policy will be shaped by managers at various levels who must decide whether to sponsor subordinates to participate in formal management development activities, or to initiate informal development processes. Management development can contribute to career success in at least four ways. First, attendance on management development programmes may be a formalised criterion for career advancement. The second route is a political or instrumental one. Third, management development can help managers acquire particular skills and expertise that are considered necessary for advancement. Finally, management development may lead to an improvement in performance in the current job, and in turn to promotion.