The purpose of this study was to develop and initially validate the Managerial Success Factors Inventory: Transportation Version (MSFI: TV), a scale generated to more accurately assess managerial competence in transportation than general managerial competence and leadership scales. The literature on managerial competencies, leadership, and the state of transportation management is summarized. Reigning models of general managerial competency were used with focus group and cognitive interview data to develop the scale. The conventional three-phase scale development research design was followed (exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and validation phases) by administering the instrument to a sample of 287 managers from a state Department of Transportation (DOT). The hypothesized 4 cluster-11competency general managerial competency model that the scale was based on could not be found in the exploratory factor analysis. Instead, a five-factor solution was most interpretable; problem solving, emotional competence, initiative, safety leadership, and integrity. This model was then confirmed via confirmatory factor analysis. A higher-order model was also confirmed indicating the measure can be treated as unidimensional. Rasch analysis confirmed these findings. The paper details the use of Rasch and structural equation modeling to analyze the psychometric properties of the scale. Implications for use of the scale in selecting, training, and promoting leaders in transportation and future research needs on the scale are discussed.
","abstract_html":"<p>The purpose of this study was to develop and initially validate the Managerial Success Factors Inventory: Transportation Version (MSFI: TV), a scale generated to more accurately assess managerial competence in transportation than general managerial competence and leadership scales. The literature on managerial competencies, leadership, and the state of transportation management is summarized. Reigning models of general managerial competency were used with focus group and cognitive interview data to develop the scale. The conventional three-phase scale development research design was followed (exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and validation phases) by administering the instrument to a sample of 287 managers from a state Department of Transportation (DOT). The hypothesized 4 cluster-11competency general managerial competency model that the scale was based on could not be found in the exploratory factor analysis. Instead, a five-factor solution was most interpretable; problem solving, emotional competence, initiative, safety leadership, and integrity. This model was then confirmed via confirmatory factor analysis. A higher-order model was also confirmed indicating the measure can be treated as unidimensional. Rasch analysis confirmed these findings. The paper details the use of Rasch and structural equation modeling to analyze the psychometric properties of the scale. Implications for use of the scale in selecting, training, and promoting leaders in transportation and future research needs on the scale are discussed.</p>","abstract_has_math":false,"creators":["Durr, Michael Robert, II"],"institution":null,"degree_name":"Ph.D.","degree_level":"Dissertation","degree_discipline":null,"degree_department":null,"school":null,"contributors":["Patrick Sherry, Ph.D.","Kathy Green","Ruth Chao"],"advisors":[],"committee_chairs":[],"committee_members":[],"year":2011,"date_issued":"2011-11-01T07:00:00Z","date_published":"2011-11-01T07:00:00Z","updated_at":"2026-07-24T02:03:03Z","subjects":["Competencies","Counseling","Leadership","Management","Performance","Psychology","Social and Behavioral Sciences"],"languages":["en"],"rights":["Copyright is held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.
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