A Profile of the Man in Industrial Research

In order to recruit and cultivate the scientific talent which is needed for industrial research today, it is necessary to know something about the requirements for a good research man and also something about the character and motivation of the individual man now engaged in research. A number of desirable characteristics for the research man are described. The result of an informal survey taken at RCA Laboratories indicates that creativeness, training in the fundamentals of science, and integrity of character are the prime requirements. Among the most important sources of motivation for a man in research are his intellectual curiosity and the satisfaction of his ego. A discussion of the place of financial incentive in the research man's motivation is included. The types of team relationships in the daily work life of research men are also discussed.