Changes in practices, changes in perspectives:The 1997 International Study of Executive Development Trends

Based on an ongoing series of research initiatives, this article profiles eight major trends in executive education and leadership development: the emergence of an increasingly competitive marketplace for providers of executive education and leadership development; a growing focus on customized programs; a trend toward shorter, large-scale, cascaded programs involving staff throughout the organization; a continued trend toward increased use of action learning; a perception that technology and distance delivery will play a more critical role in the future; a significant shift toward experience-based methodologies like job rotation, task force assignments, action learning and coaching/mentoring; an increased level of importance attached to performance feedback in the development process; and a shift in perspectives toward leadership competencies for the future, with flexibility and adaptability heading the list of critical developmental needs.