Executive Professionalization and Executive Selection

Human Resource Planning, Vol. 20, No. 2, pp. 16-27

34 Pages Posted: 30 Apr 2018

See all articles by Joseph A. Raelin

Joseph A. Raelin

Northeastern University - D’Amore-McKim School of Business; Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology (LUT); Lancaster University - Department of Management Learning

Date Written: February 1, 1997

Abstract

Executive management as a distinct occupational category from general management seems to be becoming increasingly professionalized. From a power perspective, CEOs dominate the decision-making apparatus of our major business enterprises. From an attribute approach to professionalization, there also appears to be an evolving executive skill set which could be applied across organizations and industries. Executive professionalization could contribute to the strategic leadership of our major organizations. This paper critically examines executive professionalization from both power and attribute perspectives. In particular, it considers whether the growing taste for outside successors in the CEO-selection decision results from professionalization. A database search finds that neither professionalized power considerations nor executive skills constitutes a critical basis for CEO external selection.

Keywords: executive management, professionalization, selection, upper echelon

JEL Classification: D21, D23, D73, L22, M12

Suggested Citation

Raelin, Joseph A., Executive Professionalization and Executive Selection (February 1, 1997). Human Resource Planning, Vol. 20, No. 2, pp. 16-27, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3159611

Joseph A. Raelin (Contact Author)

Northeastern University - D’Amore-McKim School of Business ( email )

360 Huntington Ave.
Boston, MA 02115
United States

HOME PAGE: http://www.leaderfulconsultancy.com

Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology (LUT) ( email )

Lappeenranta
Finland

Lancaster University - Department of Management Learning ( email )

Lancaster, LA1 4YW
United Kingdom

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