The mediating role of talent management in the relationship between project manager competencies and sustainable competitive advantage in the Ghanaian construction industry

Arhinful, R; Attabra, F K; Mensah, L and Obeng, H A (2026) The mediating role of talent management in the relationship between project manager competencies and sustainable competitive advantage in the Ghanaian construction industry. Construction Management and Economics, 44(2), pp. 119-142. ISSN 0144-6193

Abstract

This study, grounded in the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory, investigates the mediating role of talent management in the relationship between project manager competencies and sustainable competitive advantages. The Ghana construction industry faces various challenges, including project delays, budget overruns, and compromised quality, mainly due to inadequate talent management practices and underutilization of project manager competencies. Using the convenience sampling technique, the study used a valid response of 373 from project managers in the Ghanaian construction industry. The study employed Covariance-Based Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) using AMOS 20 to analyze the relationships. The findings revealed a positive and significant relationship between project manager competencies and sustainable competitive advantages, as well as a positive and significant relationship between project manager competencies and talent management. The study revealed that talent management partially mediates the relationship between project manager competencies and sustainable competitive advantages. Project managers should balance competencies development and strategic initiatives carefully, ensuring that project manager competencies are aligned with and support long-term competitive positioning without inadvertently diminishing sustainable competitive advantages.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: construction industry; project manager competencies; resource-based view (rbv) theory; sustainable competitive advantages; talent management
Index terms: budget overrun, management practice, project delay, resource-based view, structural equation modelling, face, confirmatory factor analysis, sampling, construction industry, competitive advantage, project manager, Ghana
Subjects: Geography, market analysis, psychology, management, project controls, industry analysis, statistical analysis, data collection methods, profession, financial and cost management
Topics: Organizational Design, Time Control, Business Strategy, Cost Management, Research Practice, Roles and Professions, Geographical Context
Descriptive scope: 5 PCTEA

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