The functions, skills and motivations of the engineering manager : an exploratory study of the case of Jordan

Abstract EN

-This study is designed to determine the behaviour of professional engineers in the transition from engineering to management positions.

Focus is placed on selected managemenl functions, individual skills, and motivation factors.

The principal survey instrument consisted of a detailed questionnaire completed by 240 respondents from a random sample of 35 Jordanian manufaturing firms, following acceptable academic research methodology employed in organisational behaviour and management sciences.

The results show significant changes and a broadcr-seope utilisation of the management functions in engineers making the transition to management; some changes in skills utilization in the transition, evidencing a shift from tasks-oriented skills to organisation-system skills; and movement into leadership motivations in the transition to management positions.

The study supposes probable stress, albeit not heavy, in the transition process, thereby given impetus to recommended future studies in this area.

Currently, this study is particularly recommended for Jordanian Business Executives dealing with this problem as well as professional engineers angaged in this transition phenomenon.