Myths and reality in developing directors

A survey of 144 directors in 41 firms during 1985 and 1986 in a Manpower Services Commission-sponsored research project conducted by the International Management Centre reveals how management development systems have affected the development of directors. Research results indicate that most directors have learned through a combination of accidental and unstructured experiences, and that systems of management development have not had significant influence. Research also shows that management development systems have failed because they are not related to planning processes or they are not perceived as offering returns on investment.