The future is relational: management development for today and tomorrow

Abstract

Purpose The authors of this study aim to test a possible turn toward relational, as opposed to agentic, management development program (MDP) content. Design/methodology/approach The authors performed a content analysis of the literature and qualitative interviews of management coaches/consultants from South Africa and the USA. Findings In both studies, the authors found more relational than agentic content comprising MDP content. Interviews revealed a predominance of relational strategies and that agentic and relational skills are often interwoven in development efforts. Practical implications This work may guide management coaches and consultants to offer clients management development (MD) with a greater focus on relational skills. Originality/value Future studies should build on our findings to explore whether leadership may now require more relational as opposed to agentic skills.