Last Chance for management development

The failure to deliver Management development has not fulfilled the hopes and expectations many people had in the 60's and 70's, that it would help to transform British industry and commerce. The views of many managers are reflected in the recent article by Mike Abrahams, Head of Management Development at Marks & Spencer: I have seen no proof that management development makes any contribution to the effectiveness of an organisation. What is more important, I have no evidence that not having management development adversely affects an organisation. Many were not pleased by the comments from which I quote. However, Mike Abrahams goes straight to the heart of the matter. To put it even more plainly: much of the vast variety of activity in the past 20 years (despite the genuine effort that has gone into it) has made little, if any, difference. Most people involved, whether managers or management development specialists know this. They also know that in the present economic climate management development people are particularly vulnerable. Unless they can finally and convincingly demonstrate their value, there probably will be no significant management development function by the end of the decade.