Daryl Watkins, Matthew Earnhardt, Linda Pittenger, Robin Roberts, Kees Rietsema and Janet Cosman-Ross
Technological advances, globalization, network complexity, and social complexity complicate almost every aspect of our organizations and environments. Leadership educators are…
Abstract
Technological advances, globalization, network complexity, and social complexity complicate almost every aspect of our organizations and environments. Leadership educators are challenged with developing leaders who can sense environmental cues, adapt to rapidly changing contexts, and thrive in uncertainty while adhering to their values systems. In a complex leadership context, inadequate leader responses can result in devastating organizational impacts akin to the butterfly effect from chaos theory. This paper advances a simple model for leadership education based on a program we designed to develop leaders who understand the nature of complex systems, reliably use their ethical value systems, are emotionally intelligent and resilient, and can adapt to emergent situations.
Beatriz Jacob and Pilar Mosquera
Despite the significant growth of project management as a field, it remains undervalued as a recognised career path within many organisations. This study aims to address this gap…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the significant growth of project management as a field, it remains undervalued as a recognised career path within many organisations. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the factors that contribute to the sustainability of project managers’ careers. Specifically, this research assesses the role of career motivation, organisational support and supervisor support in enhancing career sustainability.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a sample of 224 project managers, a conceptual model is tested using partial least squares.
Findings
Career motivation, supervisor support and organisational support all play crucial roles in enhancing project managers’ perception of career sustainability. Supervisor support positively influences career motivation, and the latter mediates the relationship between supervisor support and one dimension of career sustainability – resourcefulness. Besides, organisational support is positively related to resourcefulness. The model demonstrates a good explanatory power of career sustainability, especially resourcefulness.
Research limitations/implications
The use of a convenience sample limits generalisability. Future research should include diverse cultural contexts and longitudinal designs to better establish causal relationships.
Practical implications
Organisations should develop programmes to enhance project managers’ career motivation and provide tailored supervisor support. Investing in both tangible and intangible resources will help sustain their career paths.
Originality/value
This study advances the project management literature by integrating personal and contextual factors into a comprehensive model of career sustainability. It highlights the synergistic effects of career motivation, organisational support and supervisor support.