Leadership development: Towards a more systematic approach in technology management

Technology leadership research pays little attention to leadership differences across organizational levels. Research at the upper echelons is particularly sparse despite the importance of strategy in technology management. The “leadership pipeline”, with its specification of six levels of organizational leadership, the leadership challenges at each, and the appropriate leadership preparation for each, can be adapted to technology management to provide an integrated, systematic, approach to technology leadership development and practice. A review of technology management research reveals shortcomings which could be remedied through the application of a pipeline approach. Future research should focus more on reliably differentiating the hierarchical levels of technology management, particularly at the middle management and executive levels. From there, the differing demands at each and the requisite capabilities for meeting them can be determined. This would facilitate the development of more effective leadership preparation for technology mangers as they transition from level to level, to their career benefit and for the competitiveness of their organizations.