This thesis evaluates the role of inquisitiveness considered as a soft management skill as a characteristic of leaders in managerial positions in the manufacturing sector in Australia. There is considerable academic focus on the leadership attributes of people. In recent years leadership has become a much-debated theme of management behaviour. Previous published research has stated that inquisitiveness is a core characteristic of global leaders, but little has been written that addresses leadership in the context of manufacturing. / The aim of this research is to test the validity of inquisitiveness as a characteristic of leaders within Australia's manufacturing sector by collecting and analysing data both theoretically and empirically. The manufacturing sector is under considerable pressure to survive and prosper in a competitive international market. This research may lead to improved techniques for the training, selection and promotion of managers in manufacturing organisations in Australia. / The outcome of the empirical research shows that inquisitiveness is a characteristic of leaders in manufacturing management in Australia. It also found that the current practices used by Human Resources Managers in manufacturing organisations, whether hiring or promoting people, do not consider inquisitiveness as a characteristic of potential leaders. This research develops a contrary view and concludes that a measurable and appropriate test for inquisitiveness in current and potential leaders should be developed by the manufacturing industry. / The recognition that inquisitiveness is a desirable characteristic of managers in Australian manufacturing industry may lead to developing leaders who can participate in creating a sustainable Australian manufacturing sector that thrives in, and does not merely survive the global competition from emerging markets. / Thesis (PhD)--University of South Australia, 2007.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/267109 |
| Creators | Castle, Richard David. |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | copyright under review |
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