The management of R&D organizational climate through diagnosis of individual potentials

Managers in highly competitive R&D environments are increasingly required to provide leadership that increases the potential of their subordinates. This includes promoting psychological and behavioral changes in their subordinates and making the organizational climate more active. We focused on managerial actions for improving the climate and created a diagnosis tool that combines top-down (leadership) and bottom-up (worker) perspectives. Using this tool, managers can better understanding the climate of their territory and improve it. Testing at a Japanese automotive company revealed that the communication resulting from the use of this tool can help improve the potential of subordinates as well as their professional behavior. It also provides managers with many opportunities to improve their coaching and leadership skills.