A study of the curriculum needs of middle managers in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area.

Abstract

A synthesis of competencies from the literature reveals that there are three basic qualities that an effective middle manager must possess. They are: (1) human relation skills, (2) communication skills, and (3) the ability to effectively solve problems. Within this framework a comprehensive questionnaire was designed to categorize competencies according to the needs of middle managers in the Oklahoma City area.

Competencies were identified by using a computer program capable of crosstabulating each questionnaire response. Based upon the results of survey responses, training needs vary according to the size of the firm, the education level of managers and the age of managers. This suggest either a more individualized educational program, or designing a core curriculum for the largest group of prospective students.

This investigation was concerned with the need for relevancy in education and training. This study was designed to gather data from industrial middle managers to provide essential knowledge for the development of a competency based curriculum for industrial middle managers in the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area.