Describes the Diagnostic Executive Competency Analysis System (DECAS) developed by researchers at the University of Texas (Austin). Applies assessment center methods conventionally used for selection and screening purposes to formative needs-based professional development activities. Presents DECAS within the framework of the U.S. Multi-Site…

Management development programs are focusing on flaws in senior managers that can seriously affect their job performance. Training is intended to overcome such problems as aloofness, arrogance, betrayal of trust, abrasiveness, and narrowmindedness. (SK)

As part of the 1987-88 Westchester Principals' Center program evaluation, active principals were asked what motivates their participation in professional development activities. This article summarizes their answers, along with perceived participation benefits, visions of the principalship, and the influence of prior experiences on learning…

The assistant principalship is poorly defined and structured, does not provide personal fulfillment for its occupants, and does not function effectively as a preparation grounds for future principals. The position should be used as a career position exclusively, until it can be permanently eliminated through restructuring. (59 references) (MLH)

Staff developers need to recognize management practices that interfere with the establishment of conditions necessary for professional growth, then seek alternative to those practices. The article describes 13 management myths and presents alternative actions that encourage viewing the school as a community of leaders. (SM)

Consensus of survey responses from 155 of 600 human resource managers was as follows: management development programs emphasized technical skills at lower levels, entrepreneurial skills at senior levels; organizations with corporate growth strategies focused on more areas than those with stability or retrenchment strategies. (Muschewske's reaction…

Among 64 managers, an experimental group received extra presentations and materials on participatory behavior and were encouraged in self-monitoring of verbal participation. Despite increased levels of participation compared to the control group, experimentals did not have higher reactions, learning, or transfer. (SK)

Effective leadership programs have a clearly defined belief structure and a teaching team that provides direction for both the students and the program. Leadership can be learned, but it is a process, not a position. Like dart throwing, leadership skills can be taught if individuals are coached, have a chance to practice various skills, get…

Includes six articles on the challenges for management development in the 21st century in the German-speaking nations (Avery, Donnenberg, Gick, Hilb), Baltic States (Manning, Poljeva), East Africa (Mitiku, Wallace), South Africa (McFarlin, Coster, Mogale-Pretorius), Vietnam (McDaniel, Schermerhorn, Cuoc), and Australia and New Zealand (Avery,…

Describes business diplomacy based on the Japanese concept of kyosei (working for the common good). Gives case examples of application of principled diplomacy to ethical dilemmas and suggests ways to establish an organizational culture to support principled business leadership. (SK)

Examines school reform's effects on principals' professional leadership culture, drawing on research findings from 1993 to 1998, and highlighting possible future reforms in Victoria, Australia. Principals are more satisfied with present, than past, work arrangements. Leadership is more strategic and empowering than heroic or hands-on. (44…

The Florida Assisting Change in Education Program teaches school leaders to facilitate the change process in schools. Training for school improvement facilitators teaches them to lead groups, encourage discussion, mediate differences, and create appropriate spirit for crafting and implementing school improvement plans. Evaluation of the program…

Successful executives continue to learn and challenge themselves. Collecting 360-degree evaluation feedback from supervisors, supervisees, and peers can help them gauge the effectiveness of their behaviors and competencies and identify career-development strategies. (SK)

Interviews in five Dutch printing/communications firms, survey responses from 462 of 1069 managers, and a DACUM (Developing a Curriculum) process identified technical changes, skill needs, and management tasks in the industry. A new structure was developed for training managers in these roles: producer, innovator, motivator, administrator,…

As Australian corporations have increased overseas activity, there has been a significant increase in international business degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The curriculum is balanced between business-technical knowledge courses and cultural knowledge courses. (SK)