Increasing importance of the ‘human’ aspect in purchasing and supply management : can intrapersonal and interpersonal competencies be developed?

This paper examines the development potential of the most important intrapersonal and interpersonal PSM competencies, which are becoming increasingly important in the profession. In the first stage of the research, we determine these competencies based on a systematic literature review. Further, we conduct an ANOVA to identify competencies, which do not develop over time and are therefore regarded as personal traits. Finally, a polynomial regression analysis is applied. The results identify personal traits and professional experience as predicting variables for intrapersonal and interpersonal PSM competency development. We advise purchasing organisations to recruit PSM personnel with high levels of the identified personal traits. Our research shows evidence that these traits are serving as proxy for the further development of intrapersonal and interpersonal skills over time.