Management skills and learning modalities of industrial managers

Abstract

The purpose of this article was to investigate the relationship between organizational learning modalities and the managerial skills of Brazilian industry managers, seeking to fill a gap in the literature by relating these two constructs. To investigate the objective of this investigation, 315 managers from 38 chemical, and petrochemical industries located in five states of Brazil (Alagoas, Bahia, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Sul, and São Paulo) were surveyed using a questionnaire. The research was characterized as having a quantitative character, using structural equations modeling to analyze the data. Two measurement scales were used: The Organizational Learning Mode Scale (EMA), which presents modalities derived from both an individual cognitive and sociopratic approach, and the Management Skills Scale (EHAG), and both were related in two structural models, presenting adjustment indicators within the expected parameters. Among the main findings, it was identified that the learning modalities present different contributions in the various management skills developed in the work environment, with emphasis on mentoring, which presented a positive and significant relationship with reflexive, interpersonal, and political skills in the researched context.

Keywords: Organizational learning, learning modalities, management skills.