| This study sought to discover and understand those competencies that purchasing and supply management (PSM) professionals will be required to demonstrate during the beginning of the 21st century. A secondary purpose of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy of using a Performance Development Model (PDM) to predict future competencies of PSM professionals.;Grounded theory was used as the discovery methodology. The data were generated from the interviews with 15 participants. Each interview was audiotaped and subsequently transcribed for detailed analysis. The overarching question for this study was: What competencies will be required of PSM professionals as they perform the following tasks during the beginning of the 21 st century: (a) select suppliers, (b) manage supplier relationships, (c) manage supply chains, (d) digitize transactions, (e) demonstrate PSM's functional impact on corporate profitability, and (f) conduct other functional and administrative responsibilities?;The results of the study indicated that leadership, management, and professionrelated competencies will be required. Purchasing and supply management professionals must know the requirements and processes of their own firm, the supply bases of their firm, and the industries in which their firm operates. They must understand profession-related issues such as cost analysis, legal issues, global sourcing, finance, cost drivers, and the flow of materials through supply chains. They must demonstrate strong management, leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills. Those attitudes that will be required included openness, fairness, honesty, high ethical standards, change leadership, and continuous learning. This study resulted in implications for senior managers, academia, and PSM professionals. Because the PSM function is interdependent with other internal functions, senior managers should strive to eliminate independent silos of activity and encourage cross-functional communication and action within their firms. Academic curricula for PSM professionals should be holistic. Along with profession-related topics, students should receive instruction and coaching in communication skills, business, management, leadership, and sales and marketing. Purchasing and supply management professionals must demonstrate profession-related competencies as well as competencies in leadership, management, and business. In sum, they must be life-long learners. |
