The Relationship between Self-Directed Learning and Management Competencies Sustainability: Russian Managers Perspective

In the knowledge age work related self-directing learners are very valued in their respective organisations. This intellectual capital allows organisations to be more flexible, sustainable and to maintain its competitive edge in a turbulent economic environment. Literature review shows that self-directed learning is the foundation for the knowledge age. Therefore well-conceived implementation of self- directed learning is crucial for the strategic development and success of organisations in the 21st century. It is reasoned that work related self-directed learning is the most important and effective way to develop management competencies. Therefore is essential that managers move quickly to welcome change, but at the same time it requires from them to embrace a self-directed learning mind-set. Self-directed learning constitutes the most important way of acquiring and developing sustainable competencies at work. It yields sustained behavioural change and provides hope that people can develop the competencies that matter most for outstanding performance. Therefore the research question in this paper investigates whether Russian managers' management competencies correlate with work related self-directed learning. Empirical data were collected according to quantitative research methodology. Descriptive statistics, correlation, factor analysis and regression were used for statistical data analysis. Results showed that Russian managers are very keen self-learners, but it failed to show statistically significant correlation between their management competencies and self-directed learning. Directions for future research were proposed.