The competencies of a manager as a factor contributing to the success of a company in the VUCA environment

Purpose: Change is nowadays becoming an intrinsic part of any organization’s functioning. The concept of a learning organization that can meet the requirements of the VUCA principle is already common in literature. Since organizations are made up of people led by a leader/manager, thus requiring personal ability to deal with emerging problems. The aim of this paper is to present theoretical considerations and research analysis justifying its thesis that the diversity of a leader’s competencies significantly affects the effectiveness of management and ultimately determines their organization’s success. Design/methodology/approach: The aim of this paper was achieved by conducting an argumentative review of the literature available on the subject, which served as the basis for designing the methodological assumptions and further research. Survey methodology was selected as the main research method. The research was conducted among managers/leaders of a group of selected building materials companies. Such targeted research allowed for proper understanding of respondents’ position in relation to the subject matter and made it possible to draw conclusions. Findings: The conducted research leads to the conclusion that the variety and universality of a leader’s competencies affect the effectiveness of managing a team. The research has resulted in a proposal of a competency model of a modern manager able to effectively manage a company. The model considers the leading competencies as the basis for the proposed spectrum of skills. The leading competencies determining a manager’s actions and allow for the emphasis of the multidirectional nature of the desired features include self-organization, self-improvement, openness to new ideas, strict principles, making correct decisions, and taking care of the team’s relations and environment. The above-listed competencies can be used to generate further skills and traits, which can be used to create a complete competency model of an effective manager. Practical implications: The results of the conducted research and the proposed competency model constitute a valuable source of information for those responsible for managing a team in a difficult VUCA environment. The proposed approach to managerial competencies and in particular to their diversity will contribute to managers’ effectiveness and flexibility. Originality/value: The assumed research position pertains to learning organizations operating in dynamic environments. The key role in such an organization is played by a manager able to not only keep up with the changing conditions, but also anticipate them. The authors of this paper propose a model allowing managers/leaders to learn and evolve in response to emerging challenges, thus ensuring their company’s effectiveness.