Emerging critical generic managerial competencies

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify emerging critical generic managerial competencies in the Kenyan hotel industry.Design/methodology/approachA cross‐sectional survey research design was used to gather primary data using self‐administered questionnaires. The population was composed of hospitality managers from ten five‐star hotels in Nairobi and Mombasa, Kenya. A sample of 160 hospitality managers was selected proportionately by simple random sample method.FindingsSeveral critical generic management competencies are emerging in the Kenyan hospitality industry. However, there is a gap between utilization and importance of managerial competencies in Kenya. Managers do not value human relations competencies.Practical implicationsHotels and training institutions need to enhance acquisition of generic managerial competencies in their management development programs and curricula, respectively.Originality/valueThe paper focuses on both the level of utilization of managerial competencies and the level of importance attached to managerial competencies. It contributes to a new body of knowledge in management literature in Kenya. The paper has value to researchers, hospitality graduates and students, hospitality educators and human resource managers in Kenya.