Prioritization of individual success indicators for managerial success

Purpose – Managerial success as an academic concept has not been researched and explored adequately in the management literature. The purpose of this research paper is to identify and analyze a set of success indicators that the working managers value most in their professional life. Further, these selective managerial success indicators were prioritized for different managerial hierarchies in the Indian context. Design/methodology/approach – The data analysis was carried out using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) technique as the basis for the comparisons of the success indicators for various levels of managerial hierarchy as well as for the representing variables under each success indicator. Findings – The results established the prioritization of the managerial success indicators for the senior, middle, and junior levels of managerial hierarchy. The aggregative analyses for the entire data set also prioritized the variables under each success indicator studied in this research. Research limitations/implications – The study has practical implications for the top management in terms of providing them with the definitive success indicators of the working professionals, hence helping them achieve success by suitably facilitating these factors. The recruitment specialists can select the incumbent managers with the individualized characteristics identified in this study that facilitate professional success. Originality/value – This research has addressed a relatively unexplored area of managerial success in the Indian context and outlined a framework for the prioritization of success factors by the Indian managerial community.