DEVELOPING MANAGERIAL TALENT THROUGH SIMULATION

Industrial/organizational psychologists have long been interested in the psychological processes in management and management development. In this article, three general uses of simulations in the development of managerial talent are discussed: research on management processes, assessment of management abilities, and management training. In each of these areas, theoretical underpinnings, a description of current practice, and an evaluation of the effectiveness of simulations are presented. Furthermore, a continuum of simulations reflecting increasing complexity is proposed. It is suggested that relatively simple simulations be used in training during early stages of managerial skill acquisition and more complex simulations at more advanced stages of development. Finally, suggestions for potential contributions of psychologists to the advancement of managerial simulations are presented.