Furthermore, there is a variety of skills required. For example, solving theoretical research problems takes a very high level of cognitive ability, whereas in a business setting often it is necessary to apply interpersonal skills in selling ideas. The major difference between academic and practice jobs is the purpose and scope of what is done. Practice is concerned with principles that apply to the immediate situation or address an immediate problem. Another distinguishing characteristic of these two jobs is time frame.
Academic research is leisurely.
Although there can be extreme pressure to publish, especially prior to earning tenure, there are rarely assigned time limits to research projects. Often we take months and years to ponder issues and develop our ideas. Practice is typically driven by immediate organizational needs, and solutions are demanded quickly. Often we are concerned with effective rather than best solutions. Thus practice is typically more empirical and pragmatic, with less emphasis on theory development, and more emphasis on finding results.