What Makes a Competent International Project Manager in Emerging and Developing Countries?

Abstract

This study explores what makes a competent international project manager in emerging and developing countries by applying content analysis and multidimensional scaling method on the reports of project managers nominated by a Chinese nonprofit organization. The results indicate that international project manager competences can be understood from an efficiency-effectiveness−oriented perspective and an input-output−focused perspective. Four competence sets are identified, including fundamental knowledge and skills, goals-oriented competences, uncertainty and change management competences, and stakeholder management competences. The findings contribute to competence research in the international project context and provide insight for companies and individuals on career and competence development.