Individual and contextual influences on managerial competency needs

This study analyzes the influence of individual (age, education level, and job tenure) and contextual factors (type of establishment and number of subordinates) on managerial competency needs. The sample is composed of 80 Spanish managers from tourist organisations. Results show that managers from restaurants perceive more competency needs in tourist organisation management and communication skills than managers from hotels. Also education level is negatively related to competency needs in customers and employees management and efficiency at work. On the contrary, job tenure is positively linked to needs in customers and employees management and facilities and infrastructure management. Age and number of subordinates do not show any significant relation to competency needs. Implications and limitations of the study are discussed, and future research directions are presented.