Identify and briefly describe the three general categories or clusters of skills that comprise the content of management development programs.

Management development programs consist of three interrelated clusters of skills-conceptual skills, technical skills, and interpersonal skills. Conceptual skills generally focus on problem solving and decision making, planning, and performance management and goal setting. Technical skills tend to be more specialized depending upon the nature of the manager's work. For example, an accounting manager would be expected to be and remain current on accounting practices and procedures such as taxation laws. Interpersonal skills are those that the manager requires in order to interact effectively with others, and would include things like communication skills, coaching skills, and skills for managing both conflict and stress.