Can
Non-Technical Managers Manage Technical Systems?
by Terrance
Malkinson
In the wake
of recent catastrophic technology failures such as the Columbia
space shuttle disaster and the 2003 North American Blackout, many have
questioned whether non-technical managers are capable of
managing complex engineering systems effectively. In “Don’t
Blame the Engineers” (MIT Sloan Management Review, 45(2):
26-29, 2004;
http://web.mit.edu/smr/past/2004/smr4526.html), Craig Watson
discusses his belief that generalist managers are indeed capable
of managing complex technical systems. To do so, however, they
must understand the basics of the technology, its jargon and the
organization’s priorities. And they must know how to measure
performance, challenge and collect unfiltered and accurate
information, and be able to use questioning skillfully to uncover
critical faults and concerns. By doing so, he concludes, generalist managers
can lead complex engineering systems effectively.
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