Educational Leadership Research

Abstract Identifying a specific competency model for selecting managers in an organization is a crucial approach to ensuring managerial effectiveness. Given the importance of competencies in selecting efficient managers in the oil industry, this applied study aimed to identify key managerial competencies and to design and validate a competency model for managers of the Iran Oil Terminals Company. The study population consisted of all senior and executive managers of the company in 2023, from which a sample was selected using both random and purposive sampling methods. A mixed-method approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative techniques, was employed for data collection and analysis. The study utilized in-depth behavioral event interviews, expert panels, thematic analysis, job analysis, and Q methodology to determine the specific competencies. The final competency model was structured into three main dimensions: individual competencies, managerial competencies, and organizational competencies, comprising nine core themes and 43 sub-themes. The validation findings confirmed that the proposed competency model effectively distinguishes between high-performing and average managers, demonstrating "concurrent cross-validation." Additionally, the results of "concurrent construct validation" indicated that high-performing managers scored significantly higher on the competency model than their average-performing counterparts. The test-retest reliability of the competency model was estimated at 0.87, while the inter-rater reliability was calculated at 0.83.