Employing grounded theory to uncover behavioral competencies of information technology project managers

This study employs a unique combination of the grounded theory methodology (GTM) and Behavioral Event Interviews to explore the competencies of IT project managers. The findings largely support other studies using more traditional data collection approaches but also provide some new insights that warrant attention from practitioners and researchers alike. These insights include the importance of multiple modes of communication both internal to the project and also with external stakeholders. Some significant differences between the competencies of experienced and inexperienced project managers were also uncovered. Finally, the use of higher authorities to influence project stakeholders was observed.