Administrative activity and the managerial development of technical professionals

Most models of technical careers assume that scientists and engineers either remain in technical work throughout their careers or move into management. The authors explore a third possibility: administrative activity for those on the technical path. In a study of four laboratories, it was found that a majority of nonsupervisory technical professionals did administrative work. Moreover, the more managerial potential they showed-demonstrating technical competence, having managerial career interests, and performing technical leadership roles-the more they did moderated administrative work. Involving nonsupervisors showing managerial potential in moderated administrative activity can help develop their management skills and increase further their managerial potential. Involvement in administrative activity, therefore, can help those nonsupervisors develop their careers and become candidates for promotion into management.>