The identification of management potential
Date
1991
Authors
Jenk, Margaret Ruth
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The study was undertaken in order to determine whether it
would be possible to isolate certain competencies
which could be used to identify individuals with management potential in a population
of branch and area managers within a financial institution.
The competencies selected
for study were extracted from an extensive review
of the relevant literature and were selected for
both relevance and ease of measurement. The
competencies were Locus of Control, Achievement
Motivation, Cognitive skills and Interpersonal
skills.
The subjects were divided into two groups on the
basis of a panel assessment by senior management
of the organisation. The first group consisted
of those individuals who were seen as having the
potential for further advancement and the second
of the balance. The relevant competencies were
measured for both groups.
It was found that age, time spent in current position, Control of
Social relationships, a sub-factor of Locus of Control and Awareness of
level and Personal Excellence, sub-factors of Achievement Motivation
differentiated significantly between the two
groups. In addition, Cognitive and Interpersonal
skills differentiated strongly between the two
groups.
Contrary to expectations, subjects with potential
were found to be significantly more externally
controlled with respect to the factor Control of
Social relationships.
Possible reasons for this are explored.
Finally, it was attempted to construct a
predictive model for use in identifying
management potential. The model met with limited
success, but was significant in that it
highlighted the inadequacies of the
"country-club" method of assessment.
Description
A RESEARCH REPORT SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND, JOHANNESBURG, IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR
THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF MANAGEMENT (HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT)
Keywords
Executive ability -- South Africa., Executive ability.