An analysis of managerial competency needs in the tourism sector: the case of Turkey

The Authors

Beykan Çizel, Assistant Professor, Akdeniz University School of Tourism & Hotel Management, Antalya/Turkey

Nilgün Anafarta, Akdeniz University Faculty of Economic and Administrative Sciences, Antalya/Turkey

Fulya Sarvan, Professor, Akdeniz University Faculty of Economic and Administrative Sciences, Antalya/Turkey

Abstract

One of the ways of improving organizational performance is to focus on individual performance and to analyze the knowledge and skills needs for effective job performance. Relevant literature suggests that needs should be studied as gaps in competencies. This study reports findings from data relating to the perceptions of middle-level managers about the importance and current state of managerial competencies in the tourism sector. Data was collected through a questionnaire survey conducted in the hospitality facilities in Antalya, the so-called capital city of tourism on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. Respondents were asked about the importance and also present level of managerial competencies (technical and generic) required for effective job performance. Gaps were measured by subtracting the importance value ascribed to the competency from the value ascribed to the present competency level. The objective of this replication exercise was to adhere as closely as possible to the methodology and instruments used by Agut and Grau to facilitate direct comparison.

Article Type:

Research paper

Keyword(s):

Managerial competency; Competency gaps; Accommodation sector.

Journal:

Tourism Review

Volume:

62

Number:

2

Year:

2007

pp:

14-22

Copyright ©

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

ISSN:

1660-5373