From scientific work to organizational leadership: Predictors of management aspiration among technical personnel

Movement into management is often difficult for the technical or scientific employee who may lack the motivation needed to succeed in management The p resent study identified specific motivational factors that distinguish thes e individuals who aspire to management from those who do not. An intranet s urvey study was conducted within a scientific research institute. Results s howed that those who aspire to enter management tend to be higher on motiva tion for power and influence, desire for upward mobility, motivation for se curity and respect, and need for dominance. We discuss how these findings c an inform human resource and organizational strategies for dealing with tec hnical personnel who wish to enter management positions. (C) 2001 Academic Press.