Developing a Model to Assess Managers’ General Competencies in the Iranian State-Owned Banks

The main objective of this study is to propose a systematic way to develop and validate a model of competency and to provide an instrument for measuring the competencies of state-owned bank managers at basic, intermediate, and senior levels. To achieve this goal, a combination of qualitative and quantitative research approaches were used. Questionnaires and deep interviews were administered to 100 managers of these banks. Findings show that to evaluate the competencies of the managers, we need to apply 111 indexes, each bearing a different multiplier, compiled in 5 dimensions including individual-personality, individual-mental (cognitive), interpersonal (social), organizational, and managerial. Moreover, we need 16 factors including sticking to values and ethics, personality credibility, action orientation, thinking and analyzing ability, ability to learn, mega capability, effective communication, ability to negotiate, ability to work with teams, general knowledge and skills, specialty knowledge, marketing and customer orientation, strategic leadership, managing an organizational unit, managing people, and basic managerial skills. This research also provides some managerial and research recommendations based on which, one can introduce competency management in the Iranian state-owned banks.