Page 222 - DMGT518_TRAINING_AND_DEVELOPMENT_SYSTEM

Unit 13: Management Development

13.1.1 Knowledge and Skill of the Manager Notes

In analysing the skills of a manager, Katz speaks of three types: technical, human and conceptual.
(a) Technical Skills are those which enable a manager to use effectively techniques, methods,
processes and equipment in performing specific jobs. To a large extent, these skills are
developed through experience and education. Technical skills are most important for
operating managers because many of the jobs they are called upon to perform, require
them to have some knowledge of “how things work.”

Figure 13.1: Skills of a Manager

(b) Human Skills refer to the ability to work effectively with others on a person-to-person
basis, and to build up co-operative group relations to accomplish the organisational goals.
Such skills include the ability to communicate, motivate and lead. These skills are also
referred to as human relations abilities, which enable a manager to handle human resources
in such a way that not only personal satisfaction is achieved but organisational goals are
also easily attained.

(c) Conceptual Skills are those which make it possible for a manager to consider an enterprise
as a whole and evaluate the relationships which exist between various parts or functions
of a business. Top managers, in particular, need these skills because they are of the
maximum importance in long-range planning. Such skills are concerned with the realm of
ideas and creativity. The higher one rises in the management hierarchy, the greater the
need of conceptual skills.
In sum, it may be said that technical skills are an essential ingredient in low-level management;
human skills are important at all levels of the management; and conceptual skills are essentially
in top executive position.

Executive or management development activities are used interchangeably. They are that part
of the enterprise function which aim at full development of managers at whatever level they
are. Executive development is a systematic process of training and management development is
a systematic process of training and growth by which managerial personnel gain and apply
skill, knowledge, attitudes and insights to manage the work in their organisations effectively

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