USING PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES TO PREDICT PROJECT MANAGER SUCCESS

摘要

The purpose of this research was to determine the personal attributes of project managers (PMs) which contribute to project management success. Although numerous attributes are identified in the literature, few studies relate specific qualities to success. Using a survey instrument and project managers within the U.S. Air Force, we measured seven distinct attributes: leadership ability, communication skill, decision making skill, administrative skill, coping ability, analytical thinking, and technical competence. We also used supervisory assessments and project data to determine PM success. Through correlation and regression analysis, we found that administrative ability was the most important trait to possess. Leadership ability emphasizing teamwork, decision making skill with moderate levels of an adaptive decision making style, and moderate levels of technical competence were also found to contribute towards PM success. Individuals may consider the results of this research helpful as a model for increasing his or her effectiveness in management of projects. Similarly, organizational leaders may find the results useful in developing a preliminary model to systematically select personnel for the role of PM.