Development and content validation of a "hyperdimensional" taxonomy of managerial competence

In light of repeated prescriptions for theory-driven prediction of job performance (Guion & Gottier, 1965; Tett, Jackson, Rothstein, & Redden, 1999), the complexity of the manager's role calls for a comprehensive performance taxonomy more detailed than those offered previously. Review of recent discussion of the fidelity-bandwidth tradeoff (e.g., Hogan & Roberts, 1996; Ones & Viswesvaran, 1996) and the need for greater articulation of job performance (Campbell, 1994; Murphy & Shiarella, 1997) raise important issues regarding construct specificity in considering managerial behavior. None of 12 earlier managerial performance taxonomies (e.g., Borman & Brush, 1993; Tornow & Pinto, 1976; Yukl & Lepsinger, 1992) offers adequate specificity for meeting key research challenges. A "hyperdimensional" taxonomy of managerial competencies, derived from the earlier models and developed using unique methods, was subjected to content validation by expert review in 3 studies. In the first 2, a total of 110 Academy of Management members sorted 141 behavioral elements into 47 competencies with average hit rates of 68% and 85%, respectively. Results directed model refinements, including addition of 6 competencies. In Study 3, 118 subject matter experts sorted behaviors into targeted competencies in a more rigorous task with an average hit rate of 88.5%. Findings support the model's content validity, its continued development, and most importantly, the pursuit of specificity in understanding and predicting managerial behavior. The Scientific Mind-a mind nimble and versatile enough to catch the resemblances of things, which is the chief point, and at the same time steady enough to fur and discern their subtle differences; endowed by nature with the desire to seek, patience to doubt, fondness to meditate, slowness to assert, readiness to reconsider, carefulness to set in order, and neither affecting what is new nor admiring what is old and hating every kind of imposture.