Matching Training to the Needs of Polish Managers

Abstract

This paper considers the needs of Polish managers in order to make recommendations for the design of training programmes. The experience of Polish managers is first considered through a comparison of theoretical and actual organizational situations. We find that, as a result of political competition, Polish managers should have developed some managerial skills. Exploratory research in managerial skills, based on Katz's (1955) model, is then reviewed, and we find that Polish managers do possess and use a wide range of skills. National business culture and the effects of relatively high power distance, thought to exist in Poland, on training are then discussed. Research into preferred learning styles, based on Honey and Mumford (1986), is then compared to research conducted in the UK, US and Canada; the preferred learning style of Polish managers is found to be contemplative. Based on these findings, specific recommendations are made for the content and delivery of managerial training programmes. Above all, trainers must be prepared to be flexible and to listen to what their trainees tell them is needed for management in the transition economy. A consultative rather than prescriptive approach is recommended.