The institutionalization of training programs in project management in Germany – a typical pattern of the development of new professions?

Abstract

The development of training programs in project management and its institutions in Germany shows an unambiguous trend: quantitatively there is an increase of offers and demands as well as qualitatively an increasing systematization of the offered programs. The development resembles processes of the professionalisation of "new professions".

In reference to E. Freidson's typology of training programs, existing programs can be characterized concisely: they show a proximity to the forms of institutionalization of the technicians, merged with some profession typic elements. From a normative point of view this can be understood as "deficits" to a full profession, the line of approach seems to be clear - that's also the typical diagnosis of the occupational discourse.

There are two possible routes for future development: expertisation or professionalisation. An expertisation in the sense of an increasing establishment of training programs in German academia is likely in a medium term. However, the analysis of the structural moments of the training programs shows clearly, that there is no quasi-automatic way to professionalisation. The understanding of the existing training programs in Germany is at odds with such a development. Central points thereby are: the basic technical perspective, a missing control of the formation of a professional habitus within training and the strong dependence on practical, corporate interests.