Designing a Structural Model of Managerial Competencies Based on Sustainable Human Resource Management in Public Organizations
Keywords:
Managers’ competencies, sustainable human resource management, structural equation modeling, government organizationsAbstract
This study aims to design and empirically test a structural model explaining managerial competencies through a sustainable human resource management approach in public organizations. This applied, descriptive–correlational research adopted a mixed-methods design. In the qualitative phase, 15 academic experts and senior public managers from Ardabil Province participated in developing the conceptual model using Strauss and Corbin’s paradigm model. In the quantitative phase, data were collected from 384 public-sector managers selected via simple random sampling using a researcher-developed questionnaire. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted in AMOS, and convergent validity, Cronbach’s alpha, and composite reliability were confirmed. The results indicated significant positive effects of causal conditions on the core phenomenon, the core phenomenon on strategies, and strategies on outcomes (p<0.001). Contextual and intervening conditions also significantly influenced competency-based strategies. Overall fit indices (CFI, TLI, RMSEA) demonstrated an acceptable to strong model fit. The proposed model provides a valid and integrated framework for developing managerial competencies grounded in sustainable HRM and offers practical implications for enhancing employee and organizational performance sustainability in public organizations.
Downloads
References
Aust, I., Matthews, B., & Muller-Camen, M. (2020). Common Good HRM: A paradigm shift in Sustainable HRM? Human Resource Management Review, 30(3), 100705. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrmr.2019.100705
Bhagat, R., & El Achmar, D. (2023). The conceptual relation between human resource management and competency mapping. The Online Journal of Distance Education and E-Learning, 11(1).
Bigley, G., & Roberts, K. (2014). The incident command system: High-reliability organizing for complex and volatile task environments. Academy of Management journal, 44(6), 1281-1299. https://doi.org/10.2307/3069401
Bush, J. T. (2020). Win-Win-Lose? Sustainable HRM and the promotion of unsustainable employee outcomes. Human Resource Management Review, 30(3), 100676. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrmr.2018.11.004
Chung, C. H., & Chen, L. J. (2021). Text mining for human resources competencies: Taiwan example. European Journal of Training and Development, 45(6/7), 588-602. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJTD-07-2018-0060
Draganidis, F., & Mentzas, G. (2006). Competency-based management: A review of systems and approaches. Information Management & Computer Security, 14(1), 51-64. https://doi.org/10.1108/09685220610648373
Ehnert, I. (2014). Paradox as a Lens for Theorizing Sustainable HRM. In Sustainability and Human Resource Management. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-37524-8
Ehnert, I., Parsa, S., Roper, I., Wagner, M., & Muller-Camen, M. (2016). Reporting on sustainability and HRM: A comparative study of sustainability reporting practices by the world's largest companies. Human Resource Management, 27, 88-108. https://doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2015.1024157
Garman, A. N., Standish, M. P., & Kim, D. H. (2018). Enhancing Efficiency, Reliability, and Rigor in Competency Model Analysis Using Natural Language Processing. Journal of Competency-Based Education, 3(3). https://doi.org/10.1002/cbe2.1164
Hong-hua, X., & Yan-hua, W. (2009). Training System Design for Middle-level Manager in Coal Enterprises Based on Post Competency Model. Procedia Earth and Planetary Science,
Kissi, E., Eluerkeh, K., Aigbavboa, C., Addy, M., & Babon-Ayeng, P. (2025). Project managers' competencies in the era of digitalization: the case of the construction industry. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 15(1), 165-189. https://doi.org/10.1108/BEPAM-03-2024-0051
Liang, Z., & Kakemam, E. (2025). Identifying competency development needs of hospital managers in Iran: a national survey. BMC Medical Education, 25(1), 122. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-06721-x
López-Fernández, M., & Romero-Fernández, P. M. (2025). Competencies and Managerial Skills. In International Managerial Skills in Higher Education Institutions (pp. 1-16). IGI Global Scientific Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3373-0791-6.ch001
Manzoor, F., Wei, L., Bányai, T., Nurunnabi, M., & Subhan, Q. A. (2019). An Examination of Sustainable HRM Practices on Job Performance: An Application of Training as a Moderator. Sustainability, 11, 2263. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11082263
Mariappanadar, S. (2003). Sustainable HR strategy: The sustainable and unsustainable dilemmas of retrenchment. International Journal of Social Economics, 30(7-8), 906-923. https://doi.org/10.1108/03068290310483779
Mariappanadar, S., & Kramar, R. (2014). Sustainable HRM: The synthesis effect of high performance work systems on organisational performance and employee harm. Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Administration, 6(3), 206-224. https://doi.org/10.1108/APJBA-03-2014-0039
Mikła, A. (2025). Managerial Competencies Manage ment–A Practical Approach. Education Excellence and Innovation Management: A, 17909-17915. https://www.wir.ue.wroc.pl/docstore/download/UEWRa28f1d564846421fafea59840a4d5e57/Mikla_Managerial_Competencies_Management_A_Practical.pdf
Mohammadi, E., Bagheri, M., & Mohibi, S. a.-D. (2025). Proposing a Competency Model for Managers in Government Organizations: A Case Study of the Plan and Budget Organization. Journal of Management, Education and Development in the Digital Age, 2(1), 69-87. https://doi.org/10.61838/medda.2.1.6
Naimati, R., Azad, P., & Mousavi, S. (2025). Development of Core Competency Model for Enhancing the Managerial Training System in the National Oil Products Distribution Company of Iran. Quarterly Journal of Organizational Education and Leadership Development, 10(1), 37-60. https://elmnet.ir/doc/10871371-84222
Nili Ahmadabadi, M., Rostami, M. Z., Parvizi, M. R., & Gholouzi, G. (2025). Developing a strategic competency model for senior managers of the petrochemical industry using the K-means method: A case study of Nouri Petrochemical Company. Management Research in Iran, e27640.
Ogbara, S., & Chukwunwa, C. (2025). Effect of Managerial Competencies on Small Medium Enterprise Creation in Awka South Local Government Area. TECHNOVATE: Journal of Information Technology and Strategic Innovation Management, 2(2), 70-77. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5204862
Piwowar-Sulej, K., Malik, S., Shobande, O. A., Singh, S., & Dagar, V. (2023). A Contribution to Sustainable Human Resource Development in the Era of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal of Business Ethics, 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-023-05456-3
Rai, O., Dorji, U., & Dorji, N. (2025). Assessment of Managerial Competencies in Bhutanese Construction Projects. Journal of Applied Engineering, Technology and Management, 5(1), 11-25. https://doi.org/10.54417/jaetm.v5i1.145
Raja, M. A., & Aisha, A. (2012). Human Resource Management Competency Model for Pakistani Banking Companies. African journal of business management, 6(38), 10396-10407.
Scavarda, A., Dau, G., Scavarda, L. F., & Goyannes Gusmão Caiado, R. (2019). An analysis of the corporate social responsibility and the industry 4.0 with focus on the youth generation: A sustainable human resource management framework. Sustainability, 11(18), 5130. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11185130
Shimoni, B. (2017). A sociological perspective to organization development: Habitus Oriented Consulting. Organizational Dynamics, 46(3), 165-170. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orgdyn.2016.11.002
Soveidi, A., & Dosti, A. (2025). Competencies of Public Managers: A Meta-synthesis Approach in National Iranian Oil Company. Strategic Studies in Petroleum and Energy Industry, 16(64), 8-18. https://iieshrm.ir/browse.php?a_id=1759&sid=1&slc_lang=en
Stahl, G. K., Brewster, C. J., Collings, D. G., & Hajro, A. (2020). Enhancing the role of HRM in corporate sustainability and social responsibility: A multistakeholder, multidimensional approach to HRM. Human Resource Management Review, 30(3), 100708. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrmr.2019.100708
Stenger, T. P., & Jonker, B. E. (2024). Future Managerial Competencies Required for the Manufacturing Sector in South Africa. African Journal of Employee Relations, 48, 1-25. https://doi.org/10.25159/2664-3731/15020
Sypniewska, B., Baran, M., & Kłos, M. (2023). Work engagement and employee satisfaction in the practice of sustainable human resource management: Based on the study of Polish employees. International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, 19(3), 1-32. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11365-023-00834-9
Wagner, M. (2013). Green human resource benefits: Do they matter as determinants of environmental management system implementation? Journal of Business Ethics, 114(3), 443-456. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-012-1356-9
Wijayanti, R., Bernardianto, R. B., & Suffianoor. (2024). Post-Leadership Training Evaluation for Development Administrators Managerial Competencies in Human Resources Development Agencies Central Kalimantan Province. J. Public Adm. Sci., 1(2), 28-38. https://doi.org/10.70074/jaspdt.v1i2.7
Zaharov, D., & Kashtanova, Y. (2024). Leadership Management and Modern Profile of Key Competencies of a Manager. Management of the Personnel and Intellectual Resources in Russia, 13(1), 39-43. https://doi.org/10.12737/2305-7807-2024-13-1-39-43