Key Requirements for Developing Managerial Competencies: A Systematic Review and Qualitative Content Analysis with an Emphasis on Practical Applications in Human Resource Training and Development
Subject Areas :Mohammad Ahmadi 1 , مرتضی کرمی 2 * , Razvan Hosseingholizadeh 3
1 - Department of Educational Management and Human Resource Development, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
2 - Curriculum Studies and Instruction, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
3 - Department of Educational Management and Human Resource Development, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
Keywords: key requirements, development of managerial competencies, systematic review, qualitative content analysis, human resource training and development.,
Abstract :
The development of managerial competencies represents a cornerstone of organizational success and a maintaining sustainable competitive advantage. However, many managerial training and development initiatives have failed to achieve their anticipated effectiveness, largely due to the lack of comprehensive and systematic understanding of the critical prerequisites underlying this process. This present study aimed to identify the fundamental requirements for developing managerial competencies through a systematic documentary review combined with qualitative content analysis. A systematic search was conducted across major academic databases – including Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and Emerald – covering period from 2015 to 2025, focusing exclusively on English-language articles with full accessibility. Out of 2,027 initially identified articles, following rigorous screening and quality assessment procedures, 113 relevant sources were selected for final analysis. The findings revealed that effective development of managerial competencies necessitates concentration upon several cardinal requirements, including strategic leadership aligned with organizational macro-objectives, designing and implementing continuous learning program cycles, utilizing innovative pedagogical methodologies such as simulation, coaching, and mentoring, cultivating an organizational learning culture, supporting individual and professional managerial development, facilitating knowledge management and experience transfer, strengthening adaptive capacity to environmental changes, and focusing on enhancing core managerial and leadership competencies. These prerequisites collectively provide a integrated, dynamic, and measurable framework for designing and implementing managerial development programs. The findings underscore the pivotal role of educational innovation, continuous learning, and knowledge management, offering practical guidance for enhancing managerial development initiatives.
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