Managers and the distribution of Scientific and Technical Information

Keeping in touch with progress in science and technology is one of the most important functions of R&D organizations. A study of nine engineering organizations shows that managers recognize this importance and consciously plan ways to encourage their subordinates to use scientific and technical information (STI) originating at outside organizations. The most prevalent forms of influence are routing articles and encouraging interpersonal contacts with outside professionals.
Managers especially route information and references related to sources of STI uniquely accessible to the manager. Such information includes:
—notices about and notes from meetings restricted to managers;
—unpublished material and preprints sent to the manager for review or because of the manager's reputation;
—articles from publications more likely to be read by managers; and
—information on the directions and accomplishment of competitive firms.