A Comparison of Engineers Pursuing Alternate Career Paths.

Abstract This study compared the two career paths of engineers who (a) continue to concentrate in their technology or (b) make a career transition into technical management. After measuring the needs, interests, and job satisfaction variables for engineers ( n = 70) and engineer-managers ( n = 86), two statistical procedures were performed. Discriminant analyses determined whether the variables (needs and vocational interests) could differentiate between engineers and engineer-managers (predict group membership); multiple regression analyses examined the ability of the same variables to predict job satisfaction for the two groups. Discriminant analyses indicated that the affiliation and dominance needs and the enterprising interest significantly differentiated between the groups in the direction of engineer-managers, and the investigative interest differentiated in the direction of engineers. The multiple regression analyses indicated significant predictability in that (a) the engineer-manager's job was predictive of job satisfaction, (b) the achievement need and the conventional interest were predictive of job satisfaction for engineer-managers, and (c) the investigative and artistic interests were predictive of job satisfaction for engineers.