Investigating project managers' work values by repertory grids interviews

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the research is to investigate project managers' work values and their relationship with project managers' competence.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, the authors conducted semi‐structured interviews using repertory grid techniques on 18 Chinese project managers. Three different approaches are utilised to analyse data obtained from the interviews.

Findings

The authors categorised work values with different perspectives. Project managers' core work values are identified.

Research limitations/implications

The authors recommend that work values are an important dimension in relation to project manager's competence. The understanding of a project manager's work values has a potential application in human resources development and competence‐based management development.

Originality/value

This paper presents an innovative approach to the investigation of a project manager's competence.

Citation

Song, S. and Gale, A. (2008), "Investigating project managers' work values by repertory grids interviews", Journal of Management Development, Vol. 27 No. 6, pp. 541-553. https://doi.org/10.1108/02621710810877811