A Comparative Analysis of Defensive Routines in Engineering Managers Versus Non-Engineering Managers
Tyria Riley, Elizabeth A. Cudney, Suzanna K. Long · Engineering Management Journal · 2013
:Engineering managers are managers who have an understanding of both the technical and business aspects of organizations; however, the success of an engineering manager depends on being knowledgeable in both the business and technical functions of an organization. Many lead teams of their peers which are purely technical. There is a perception that engineers lack the people skills that are needed to be effective communicators, conflict resolvers, and leaders. Defensive routines are actions implemented as a result of being in an embarrassing or threatening situation. The goal of this research is to determine if defensive routines are more prevalent in engineering managers or non-engineering managers. The analysis was performed through a case study approach using a pre-determined situation. The results show that defensive routines are not more common in engineering managers than in non-engineering managers.