| Research into the antecedents and outcomes of the utilization of professional ability (UPA) in organizations is reported. Utilization is the effective use of professional skills and acquired proficiency.; A theoretically based LISREL structural equation model was tested, using a random survey of professional engineers in Ontario. It established that engineers who are assigned greater professional responsibility by their organizations experience more effective utilization than those who are not, and that those who work in an organic organizational structure, with professionally oriented human resource practices, and with a supervisor who demonstrates competence managing professionals, also experience more effective utilization. A hypothesis regarding the effect on utilization of having strong career aspirations was partly supported, but a hypothesis regarding the effect on utilization of remaining current with professional developments was not supported. Job satisfaction, and organizational commitment were confirmed as positive outcomes of utilization. |
