Combating obsolescence: Predictors of technical updating among engineers

Abstract

A widely suggested measure to counteract obsolescence among technical professionals is technical updating. This study proposes a model of technical updating and examines three hypothesized relationships depicted in the model. It was proposed that: (a) individual characteristics and work environment variables would jointly affect the motivation to update; (b) motivation to update would, in turn, mediate the relationship between individual characteristics, work environment variables and updating; and (c) individual characteristics and work environment variables would have direct effects on updating. Data obtained from 159 engineers in Singapore were used to test the model using LISREL VI Program. Results partially support the model. The salient findings are: (a) individual characteristics have a weak relationship with updating and (b) work environment variables (organizational policy and peers) have an effect on updating. Implications of the findings along with directions for future research are discussed. © 1991.