Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
11:25
Making Sense of Listening: The IMAP Test Battery
Published on: October 11, 2010
Professional managers examine their listening ability
R T Barker1, C G Pearce, I W Johnson
1School of Business, Virginia Commonwealth University.
Clinical Laboratory Management Review : Official Publication of the Clinical Laboratory Management Association
|December 9, 1994
Summary
Most professionals in management roles exhibit poor listening skills, with only 2% identified as active listeners. Enhanced listening training significantly improves perceived listening abilities.
Area of Science:
- Management Science
- Organizational Behavior
- Communication Studies
Background:
- Effective listening is crucial for professional success.
- Previous research indicates a gap in active listening skills within professional settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess perceived listening abilities among members of a professional organization.
- To identify factors influencing listening effectiveness, such as training and demographics.
Main Methods:
- A listening types inventory was administered to members.
- Data were analyzed to classify listening styles and identify correlations.
Main Results:
- Approximately 75% of participants were classified as passive or detached listeners.
- Only 2% were identified as active listeners.
- Females perceived themselves as better listeners than males; age showed no significant difference.
- Individuals with more listening training reported higher perceived abilities.
Conclusions:
- The majority of professionals in this study demonstrate suboptimal listening skills.
- Targeted listening training appears to be an effective strategy for improving perceived listening abilities.
- Findings have implications for management development and training programs.
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