DESIGNING AND CONDUCTING EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT NEEDS ASSESSMENTS

Focuses on a methodology by which executive development needs can be identified. Stresses executive development as being distinctly different from management training in that executive development addresses more visionary and abstract elements, whereas management training tends to focus on functionality to increase productivity and efficiency. Presents the need to investigate thoroughly and examine the organization′s origin, culture, current business and operational environment, mission statement, goals and objectives, operational and personnel policies, structure, and employee attitudes in order to develop a meaningful approach to assess executive development needs. Additionally, discusses techniques for implementing an assessment along with specific recommendations regarding the planning necessary to conduct the project successfully. Concludes with some guidelines for conducting executive development courses and summarizes the trend towards integrating executive development into the organization′s competitive strategy.