The Competence GAP among Top Managers of Metal and Machinery SMES

Abstract

Purpose | The purpose of the conducted research was to identify the competency gap between the desired and actual competency profile of the top manager of an SME in the metal and machinery industry. Research method | Two primary types of research were used in the study: secondary and primary. The method used for the secondary research was a systematic literature review. The primary research, on the other hand, was based on a qualitative approach – the in-depth group interview (FGI) method – and a quantitative approach – the questionnaire method. Three stages of research were used to develop the desired competency profile, with each stage using a different research method. The development of the actual competency profile was based on the results of the surveys. The research was conducted for the purposes of a doctoral thesis. Results | The carried out research identified the competency gap between the desired and actual competency profile of the top manager of an SME in the metal and machinery industry. The profile comprised 8 competencies, which were divided into three categories: managerial competencies – entrepreneurship, the ability to identify and seize opportunities, results orientation and delegation of tasks/authorities; social competencies – leadership, motivating/influencing and communication; industry competencies – professional knowledge. The largest competence gap was noted in the case of the competence Leadership, the smallest for the competences Performance orientation and Entrepreneurship. Originality / value / implications / recommendations | The article has an implementation value. It provides recommendations as to the level of competences that top managers of SMEs in the metal and machinery industry should possess, and thus, if necessary, what competences should be developed.