The two groups of research and management staff working in the government-supported research institutes are shown different in their cognitive styles on R&D management. Identifying the differences and understanding the reasons why such differences exist are th prerequisites for working out an effective R&D management. The investigation was made with emphasis on the cognitive styles regarding the core elements of R&D managements such as R&D process, manpower, budget and information required for R&D activities. The cognitive styles on R&D management shown distinct between the two groups suggest in turn that narrowing down the diference could provide the way to more effective R&D management.