Title: Practical issues in managing technical professionals

Authors: M.K. Badawy

Addresses: Professor of Management of Technology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 7507 Parkwood Court, Falls Church, VA 22042, USA

Abstract: This paper explores the managerial issues involved in technical staffing and rewarding engineers and scientists in technology-based organisations. An effective human resource utilisation system is viewed to consist of four interrelated companies: a human resource planning system, a reward system, an appraisal system, and a career management system. The paper argues that technical organisations must hire and retain a staff mix with the appropriate talents and skills necessary for assuming the critical work roles for effective technological innovation. Reward systems for technical professionals are also discussed. Some managerial pitfalls in this area are examined, some lessons are identified. and finally, action strategies for motivating technical professionals are drawn.

Keywords: effective utilisation; technical professionals; managerial issues; motivation; reward systems; technical staffing; human resource planning; career management; appraisal systems; technological innovation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1992.061736

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1992 Vol.13 No.5/6, pp.428 - 442

Published online: 27 May 2014 *

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