Interview an HR person from a company to find out how the company's executives are developed. How are managers developed to fill executive positions? If the company uses a succession planning process, ask how it works and how often it is reviewed. Uthe company does not, ask how it determines whom to promote to executive positions when one becomes available. From the interview, answer the following questions:

• How many different methods does the company use for developing executives? For developing managers?

• If the company does use a succession plan, how does it work? Do you think it prepares the managers for the higher-level management positions? If the company does not use a succession plan, how does it fill higher-level positions?