Proposal of the Competency Model for SME Managers in Tourism

Abstract

The paper deals with the issue of managerial competencies in tourism SMEs. Managerial competencies and competency models are believed to be the most important tools in companies for ensuring their performance and market competitiveness in today's highly volatile world. Tourism, however, deals also with sustainability issues. The paper aims to identify primary managerial competencies and propose a competency model applicable to tourism SME managers, which would meet sustainability requirements. The paper builds on data gathered in a survey performed by the author. An online survey technique was used, accompanied by interviews with management representatives in selected tourism entities. The proposed competency model for SME managers active in tourism consists of 8 competencies in 3 categories: basic, functional and leadership competencies. Each competency is then classified for importance and degree of development. The most important managerial competencies are effective communication, cooperation, environmental behavior, problem solving and business approach. Additionally, it may be customer focus, leadership and knowledge management. The paper also provides a proposal of competency development for SME tourism management, where besides basic managerial abilities are specific sustainability-related skills.