Question

What are the major types of mobility paths in organizations, and what conditions favor each?

Answer 1

There are four major types of mobility paths in an organization.

1.) For Non-exempt Employees

The mobility path of the employees generally starts with being a helper where the employee helps in the most basic work for the organization. Then he gets promoted to becoming the intern or apprentice where he is given some small important role and a chance to showcase his skills. He then gets promoted to the team member and a permanent employee and if he performs well, he becomes a leader, managing the teams.

2. For external representatives

The mobility path starts with the person being a representative of the firm's operations to outsiders. he can be a supplier, a negotiator or a facilitator at this stage. By performing well, he is absorbed by the firm as the employee and he is made the supervisor of the operations. If he is able to perform well here, he is given an opportunity to be a manager and subsequently, he can become the vice president of operations.

3. For staff members

There are two paths which go from being a Trainee to the position of Vice president.

Path A: Using this path, the trainee, upon successfully performing his duties, is given a chance of becoming a specialist. He then assumes the role of corporate manager and if he is able to sustain the high level of performance, he is made the Vice president, managing several teams.

Path B: Using this path, the trainee, upon successfully performing his duties, is given a chance of becoming a Generalist. He then assumes the role of Division manager and if he is able to sustain the high level of performance, he is made the Vice president, managing several teams.

4. For Technical Specialist

The mobility path starts with the person being an engineer of the firm's technical department. By performing well, he is made the senior engineer of the operations. If he is able to perform well here, he is given an opportunity to be an engineering consultant and subsequently, he can become the senior consulting engineer for the firm.