Home > News > September 2007 > 19 September 2007

Institute researches the value of management qualifications

'Who you know' and 'what you know' is no longer enough to get a job, according to a report published by the Chartered Management Institute.

The study, entitled 'The Value of Management Qualifications', says that job prospects are increasingly being influenced by an individual’s commitment to their long-term professional development.

According to the report, 64 per cent of employers – and 74 per cent of individuals - believe management qualifications will grow in importance over the next 5 years. Individuals and employers also agree that 'proof of academic prowess' is no longer a key driver for taking a qualification.

Other findings include:

* Many employers argue that having qualified managers leads to productivity gains (60 per cent). Most highly valued are MBAs (74 per cent) and Diplomas (70 per cent)

* Employers also suggest that providing the opportunity to gain qualifications gives the organisation an enhanced professional reputation (70 per cent). Almost two-thirds (64 per cent) also say it boosts their ability to attract staff

* 95 per cent of individuals are motivated by the 'portability' offered by a general management qualification, emphasising a desire to move roles, or cross industry sectors. Their need for 'transferable skills' is a key factor behind the desire to 'get qualified' (76 per cent).

* 85 per cent of managers said qualifications will 'improve chances of employment' in the future. 69 per cent also suggested their management qualification 'improves promotion prospects'.

According to the research, the majority of respondents (84 per cent) also claim that qualifications improve 'self-awareness'. High numbers focus on how they have 'helped me deal with interpersonal issues' (66 per cent) or 'improved my business knowledge' (84 per cent).

However, the report found that desire to secure formal recognition is not matched by action, with only 1 in 5 individuals holding a management qualification.

The study, based on the views of 2,229 respondents, suggests that low uptake is caused by a series of barriers. The most widely felt barrier was found to be the impact of study on managers’ time. Many agreed that it diverts energy from other interests (56 per cent), family (53 per cent) and their work (40 per cent). A significant proportion also said they sought employer investment, with 43 per cent seeking full-funding and 39 per cent looking for partial financial contributions.

Mary Chapman, chief executive of the Chartered Management Institute, said: Compared to other professions, managers are significantly under-qualified. Yet many are giving the strongest sign yet that they want to address this situation.

"Significant numbers are looking for training and development as part of their remuneration package and employers should take note of this because by offering professional development they are more likely to retain the top talent and build for the future."

External link

The Chartered Management Institute

Training Reference is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites.

Related Information

For related news, case studies, articles and research, visit our management and leadership development home page

Training and development books

Discover books on a variety of training and development topics at the Training Reference Bookshop

Source suppliers

Visit the Training Reference Directory to view supplier details for a wide range of courses, products and services.

Sponsored links

Back to top