Managing in A Global Environment: The Management Skill Challenges Professional Engineers Experience

An increasing number of new businesses, technologies, and products are emerging, all undergoing rapid and continuous transformation. Collectively, these changes have created a new paradigm in global business, particularly intensifying competition within the engineering sector. In response to globalization and heightened market competition, companies have recognized the need for engineers at all levels who can work effectively in cross-functional and multicultural teams, possess leadership or managerial capabilities, and understand the broader business and societal implications of engineering decisions. Regardless of their area of specialization, engineers are finding that a successful career increasingly requires them to take on complex responsibilities that demand strong leadership skills. Their work now relies heavily on understanding and managing interactions across diverse domains—such as design, quality, sustainability, product planning, organizational behavior, people management, teamwork, and finance. The aim of this thesis is to explore the concept of engineering leadership, identify and understand the skills challenges engineers face in today’s highly competitive global environment—particularly as they transition into managerial roles—and propose solutions or guidance to help mitigate these challenges.