The future is relational: Management development for today and tomorrow

In a series of two studies we tested a possible turn toward relational, as opposed to agentic, management development program (MDP) content. First, we conducted a content analysis of the MDP literature since Collins’ (2002) seminal work, finding a larger focus on relational as compared to agentic MDP content. Second, we conducted qualitative interviews of 14 management coaches/consultants from South Africa and the United States. The interviews revealed practice to be focusing more on relational, but also agentic, and interwoven relational and agentic skills. From the interviews we share how relational skills are being done in management development practice today, the focus being primarily on development self-awareness in managers. Our conclusion is that, in contrast to the enduring “think manager, think male (agency)” paradigm, leadership today may require, and leaders and followers value, relational, more so than agentic, skills.