Relevance of Systematic Approach for Management Development

The paper argues the importance of a more formalised and structured approach to learning. Both formal and informal development processes are enhanced only if those processes are structured and planned through the accurate identification of needs, the establishment of objectives, the use of appropriate techniques and meaningful assessment mechanisms. Identifying what managers' want through self-diagnosis provides the focus on what is to be learnt Setting goals directs managers towards an appropriate direction while goal sharing with others may be useful in providing mutual support and challenge. Designing learning processes based on goals and appropriate resources and support for learning enable managers to achieve those goals. Finally, by reflection success and failure can be assessed. This provides information on whether learning was on the track or whether goals have to be revised. The paper, further emphasises the need of organisational support systems for what individuals learnt from the development interventions to flow freely within the organisations to be captured and used by other organisational members