Leadership competencies revisited: A causal configuration analysis of success in the requirements phase of information systems projects

Abstract

The research on information systems shows significant project failure rates. The requirements-related problems and the lack of management and leadership skills are the most cited causes. Thus, this study uses a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to explore which types of leadership competencies (emotional, intellectual, and managerial) are the most relevant for each activity in the requirements phase. This study also examines whether gender and holding a project management certification contribute to the success of this phase. The results show that different activities call for different leadership competencies and that gender is the most consistent condition that leads to success. The findings also indicate that formal certification may not be a proxy for all the required skills and knowledge needed in the requirements phase. These results enable a better fit for those professionals that are involved in the requirements phase to improve their success probabilities.