Autonomy in the Industrial R&D Lab

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA148075 | Open PDF

Abstract:

This paper distinguishes between strategic autonomy the freedom to set ones own research agenda and operational autonomy the freedom, once a problem has been set, to attack it by means determined by oneself, within given resource constraints. The paper argues, and presents preliminary corroborating data, that the optimal position for the start of careers in the RD lab is to be low on strategic but high on operational autonomy. Most labs, however, seem to espouse a philosophy of strategic autonomy. This confusion between strategic and operational autonomy creates dilemmas and contradictions in the technical career areas.

Author(s):
Bailyn, Lotte
Author Organization(s):
ALFRED P SLOAN SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT CAMBRIDGE MA
Descriptive Note:
Interim technical rept.
Pagination:
0049

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
ONR-TR-30
Contract/Grant Number(s):
N00014-80-C-0905
Monitor Series:
TR-30, ONR
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_3.1.1_Maneuver to Engage; JCA_3.1_Maneuver; JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_5.5_Direct; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_5.5.1_Communicate Intent and Guidance; JCA_1.2.3_Educating; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_8.1.1_Inform Domestic and Foreign Audiences; JCA_8.1_Communicate; JCA_1.3_Human Capital Management; JCA_5.5.2_Task; JCA_1.3.2_Personnel Management; JCA_5.2.2_Develop Knowledge and Situational Awareness; JCA_5.2_Understand; JCA_6.4.1_Secure Information Exchange; JCA_4.6_Engineering; JCA_6_Net Centric
Modernization Areas:
Autonomy; Fully Networked C3
Communities of Interest:
Autonomy
Descriptor(s):
*CAREERS, *ENGINEERS, *RESEARCH MANAGEMENT, *SCIENTISTS, DECISION MAKING, HUMAN FACTORS ENGINEERING, INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH, JOB SATISFACTION, LABORATORIES, LONG RANGE(TIME), MANAGEMENT PLANNING AND CONTROL, MILITARY RESEARCH, RESEARCH FACILITIES, SHORT RANGE(TIME)
Field(s)/Group(s):
Administration and Management, Personnel Management and Labor Relations
Keyword(s):
AUTONOMY, PROFESSIONALS, WUNR170911
Report Date:
1984 Oct 01