TECHNICAL PAPERS
Apr 1, 1990

Factors Affecting Quality Performance of Professional Engineers

Publication: Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering
Volume 116, Issue 2

Abstract

The writers conducted a study of performance measures among engineers and professionals in other fields. They discovered that performance declined with increasing age after age 35. However, some older engineers continued as high performers throughout their careers. From this study emerged the concept of four stages of career development and the characteristics of the high‐performing professionals in each stage. Those who successfully move from one stage to the next pass through a novation—a renegotiation of obligations and expectations with those around them. Understanding what is expected at each stage—and how novations proceed—can greatly increase individual performance and one's value to the organization, thereby increasing opportunities for success and a valued career.

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References

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Berlew, D., and Hall, D. T. (1966). “The socialization of managers.” Administrative Sci. Q., 2, 207–233.
2.
Dalton, G. W., Thompson, P. H., and Price, R. (1977). “The four stages of professional careers.” Organizational Dynamics, Summer, 19–42.
3.
Dalton, G. W., and Thompson, P. H. (1986). Novations: Strategies for career management. Scott Foresman and Company, Glenville, Ill.
4.
Dalton, G. W., and Thompson, P. H. (1971). “Accelerating obsolescence of older engineers.” Harvard Business Review, Sep.‐Oct., 59.
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Hall, D. T., and Lawler, E. E., III (1969). “Unused potential in reserach and development organizations.” Res. Mgmt., 12, 339–354.
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“Happy Dropouts,” (January 17, 1982). “Investigating the Not Invented Here (NIH) Syndrome.” R&D Management, 12(1), 7–19.
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Katz, R. (1977). “Job enrichment: Some career considerations.” Organizational careers: Some new perspectives, John Van Maanen, ed., John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, N.Y.
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Kaye, B. (1982). Up is not the only way: A guide for career development practitioners. Prentice‐Hall, Inc., Englewood Cliffs, N.J.
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Information & Authors

Information

Published In

Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering
Volume 116Issue 2April 1990
Pages: 202 - 216

History

Published online: Apr 1, 1990
Published in print: Apr 1990

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Authors

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Gene W. Dalton
Prof., Organizational Behavior, School of Mgmt., Brigham Young Univ., Provo, UT 84602; Partner, Novations Group, Inc., 2155 North 200 West, Suite 200, Provo, UT 84604
Paul H. Thompson
Vice Pres. of Univ. Relations, Prof., Organizational Behavior, Brigham Young Univ., Provo, UT 84602; Partner, Novations Group, Inc., 2155 North 200 West, Suite 200, Provo, UT 84604

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