Hoobler, Jenny M.Dowdeswell, Kim2023-10-052023-10-052023-06Hoobler, J.M. and Dowdeswell, K. (2023), "The future is relational: management development for today and tomorrow", Journal of Management Development, Vol. 42 No. 3, pp. 253-274. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMD-11-2022-0265.0262-171110.1108/JMD-11-2022-0265http://hdl.handle.net/2263/92714PURPOSE : The authors of this study aim to test a possible turn toward relational, as opposed to agentic, management development program (MDP) content. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : The authors performed a content analysis of the literature and qualitative interviews of management coaches/consultants from South Africa and the USA. FINDINGS : In both studies, the authors found more relational than agentic content comprising MDP content. Interviews revealed a predominance of relational strategies and that agentic and relational skills are often interwoven in development efforts. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS : This work may guide management coaches and consultants to offer clients management development (MD) with a greater focus on relational skills. ORIGINALITY/VALUE : Future studies should build on our findings to explore whether leadership may now require more relational as opposed to agentic skills.en© 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited.GenderManagement developmentRelational skillsSDG-05: Gender equalitySDG-08: Decent work and economic growthManagement development program (MDP)Postprint Article