Assessing Managerial Skills of Middle Level Managers in Public Sector Universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Abstract

This study investigates the perceptions of middle level managers about the managerial skills in public sector universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A stratified sample of 122 department heads/chairmen was selected from six public sector universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. For data collection, a questionnaire was developed after the review of related literature and previous studies comprising seven categories of management skills (MS) i.e. technical skills, interpersonal skills, conceptual skills, diagnostic skills,
communication skills, decision making skills and time management skills. Results of the study revealed that the technical, human, conceptual, diagnostic, communication and decision- making skills of middle level managers were found to be maximum above average level of observance. While time management skills of middle level managers was found to be above average level of observance. These managerial skills assist the middle level managers in the achievement of organizational goals in departments. The study results also revealed that the middle level managers faced problems regarding time management, communication issues among the staff, declaration of unjust decisions by the interruption of pressure groups, personal emotional instability, incompetency and do not having skill of saying “no” to subordinates. The introduction of refresher courses, arrangement of workshops, trainings
and seminars may be worthwhile strategies to increase the managerial skills of middle level managers of public sector universities.