Iman Sudirman, Joko Siswanto, Joe Monang and Atya Nur Aisha
The purpose of this paper is to investigate a set of competencies that characterizes effective public middle managers.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate a set of competencies that characterizes effective public middle managers.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 20 middle managers from several public agencies were interviewed in person using the behavioral event interview technique. In all, 80 stories were deductively coded based on the existing National Civil Service Agency’s managerial competency dictionary and inductively examined through a thematic analysis to discover new themes.
Findings
This study’s findings suggest that communication, organizing, information seeking, analytical thinking and planning competencies are common competencies, but essential for effective public middle managers. Conversely, achievement orientation, leadership, directiveness, persuasiveness and innovation are competencies that characterize effective public middle managers and distinguish them from average performers. In addition, some other new competencies inductively obtained using a thematic analysis are also important for effective public managers: adherence to laws and regulations, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and technical competencies (technology management, human resource management and financial management).
Research limitations/implications
The research was undertaken using 20 samples divided into superior and average performers; thus, it is limited to developing competency levels to new competencies.
Originality/value
This study identifies the competencies necessary for effective middle managers within the public sector context. Conducting behavioral event interviews with two distinct groups provides empirically unique behavioral evidence of competencies that characterize effective public middle managers and enables to discover new competencies.
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Keywords
Iman Sudirman, Joko Siswanto and Atya Nur Aisha
This study aims to identify the competencies of small- and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) entrepreneurs in the software sector and the perceived level of attainment in each…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify the competencies of small- and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) entrepreneurs in the software sector and the perceived level of attainment in each competency. It also examines whether these competencies and their levels affect business turnover and growth (in terms of business scale and duration).
Design/methodology/approach
To accomplish this purpose, the study took a quantitative approach, involving a survey of 33 SME entrepreneurs, which was then processed using statistical tests, including chi-square test, Kruskal–Wallis test and ordinal regression.
Findings
There were four findings of the study. Firstly, software SME entrepreneurs need 17 competencies, with high levels of soft competencies being required and average levels of technical competencies. Secondly, there are significant differences in perceived levels of customer service orientation (p = 0.089) depending on the scale of the business and in perceived levels of project management (p = 0.087) depending on the duration of the business. Thirdly, customer service orientation (p = 0.031) and project management (p = 0.01) both have a significant influence on business revenues. Fourthly, there were significant gaps in perceived levels of competency (p < 0.05) in achievement orientation, customer service orientation and project management.
Originality/value
There is existing research that conducts competency mappings at the managerial level in large-scale organizations; however, this sort of research in relation to SME entrepreneurs is still lacking. The present study seeks to fill this gap. It also maps integrated entrepreneurial competencies, including soft and technical competencies; a focus that is lacking in previous studies.
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Yogi Yusuf Wibisono, Rajesri Govindaraju, Dradjad Irianto and Iman Sudirman
The purpose of this paper is to develop and to empirically test a model that explains how managing differences between an information technology (IT) provider and an overseas…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop and to empirically test a model that explains how managing differences between an information technology (IT) provider and an overseas client influences partnership quality and ultimately affects the continuity of the relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
A field survey by distributing questionnaires to Indonesian IT providers was conducted over four months, yielding 78 completed responses. These empirical data were analyzed by the partial least squares–structural equation modeling technique to examine the measurement and structural models.
Findings
Managing differences, i.e. cultural, temporal and standards differences, has a positive impact on partnership quality through inter-firm interaction, i.e. information exchange, coordination and participation. Partnership quality, consisting of the dimensions of commitment, trust and integration, has a substantial positive impact on the continuity of the relationship.
Research limitations/implications
This study was limited by the use of a limited number of samples, reducing the precision of the results.
Practical implications
This study suggests that if the IT provider is able to manage the cultural, temporal and standards differences with the overseas client, it increases information exchange, coordination and participation between both parties, which are necessary for establishing a high-quality partnership.
Originality/value
This study is the first empirical examination of how the management of differences between an IT provider and an overseas client influences the continuity of their relationship through interaction and partnership quality.
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Joe Monang, Iman Sudirman, Joko Siswanto and Y. Yassierli
The purpose of this study is to investigate a set of competencies that are important for superior performance across three top levels of management in the provincial government…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate a set of competencies that are important for superior performance across three top levels of management in the provincial government executive offices.
Design/methodology/approach
Using the case of the West Java Province Government, Indonesia, a qualitative approach with document analysis and behavioural event interview techniques were employed. The results were confirmed using focus group discussions. The Mann–Whitney U test was also conducted to further analyse the results.
Findings
The authors found 19 competencies grouped into five competency clusters: managing personal, managing task, managing work unit, managing socio-cultural and functional aspects. The Mann–Whitney U test results showed that managing work unit and socio-cultural aspects were more important for upper-level management, while functional aspects were more necessary for lower and middle levels of management. Two competencies, that is, achievement orientation and innovation, were the main characteristics of superior performers across all management levels, differentiating them from average performers.
Practical implications
The study suggests the need for the Government of Indonesia to improve the current competency model. Its implications on educational and training institutions are discussed.
Originality/value
This study considered three different levels of management, grouped into superior and average performers and thematically analysed their past experiences when performing their jobs. It thus extends previous competency studies that mostly focus on a particular management level and individuals' perceptions.
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Keywords
This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.
Design
This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.
Findings
A qualitative study of local government managers from Indonesia has identified 19 competencies across three top levels of management. The competencies are grouped into five clusters – managing personal, managing task, managing work unit, managing sociocultural and functional aspects. The research found that different competencies were important at different management levels.
Originality
The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.