The R&D Workers

Abstract

Selecting, training, and managing the scientists, engineers, and technologists who develop new products and apply new technologies is a critical challenge for managers and policymakers worldwide. Nine analysts from universities and research centers in four major industrialized nations find that while companies maintain distinctive approaches to managing their R&D workers, the pressures of technological change and global competition are forcing them to rethink the entire operation. To be taken into consideration now are such factors as group dynamics, intra- and intercompany linkages, research authority and flexibility, research sources, career paths, reward systems, and personal and team development—all of which are covered here. An unusual comparative study for top management and their human resource and planning staffs, and for academics concerned with all aspects of organizational behavior, training, and development. The scientists, engineers, and technologists who develop new products and apply new technologies—collectively, the R&D workers—are vital in today's competitive and technologically demanding business environment. Of critical importance is how these R&D workers are selected, trained, and managed, and how their activities are linked to other aspects of production. Using a variety of methods, eight analysts from the International Research Group on R&D Management, a unique interdisciplinary group of researchers from universities and research centers in four major industrialized nations, examine the organization and management of R&D workers in and between their respective countries. Drawing on data provided by more than 1,800 engineers and scientists in 23 companies, the authors find that while companies maintain distinctive approaches to managing their R&D workers, the pressures of technological change and global competition are forcing them to rethink their R&D methods. To be taken into consideration now are such factors as the underlying technical skills of the workers, group dynamics, intra- and intercompany linkages, research authority and flexibility, research resources, career paths, reward systems, and personal and team development—all of which are covered here, succinctly and readably. The result is a useful comparative study for top management and their human resource and planning staffs, R&D policymakers, and those concerned with all aspects of organizational behavior, training, and development.