Managerial Competencies and Organizational Intelligence in SMEs in Cúcuta: A Reanalysis of Mediation and of the Structure of Associations

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61799/2216-0388.2370

Keywords:

Common Method Bias; Cúcuta; Economic Development; Managerial Competencies; Mediation; Organizational Intelligence; Sustainability.

Abstract

The transformation of the business environment in Cúcuta (Colombia) calls for a close examination of managerial competencies and organizational intelligence as drivers of sustainability and competitiveness. This study aimed to identify the predominant managerial competencies in the local business fabric and to analyze their relationship with organizational intelligence, productivity and competitiveness, and sustainable and inclusive economic development. A quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional, descriptive-correlational design was used. A structured five-point Likert survey, validated by expert review and pilot testing, was administered to key informants in firms of the metropolitan area of Cúcuta; the correlation matrix was estimated on 88 complete cases. The highest-rated competencies were assertive communication (87%), results orientation (84%) and negotiation ability (81%), although their 95% confidence intervals overlap in the range [79.0; 83.3], so the ranking among competencies is not statistically distinguishable. The four aggregate dimensions correlate highly and homogeneously (Spearman's rho between 0.609 and 0.741; all p < 0.001), but the reanalysis yields two findings that qualify that reading: first, the effect of managerial competencies on sustainable development is 67.9% mediated by organizational intelligence, and the remaining direct effect ceases to be significant (c′ = 0.195; p = 0.052; Sobel z = 4.99; p < 0.001); second, the first principal component absorbs 78.0% of the matrix variance, with a standardized alpha of 0.906 across the four indices, suggesting a discriminant validity problem consistent with common method bias. Organizational intelligence appears to operate as the translation mechanism between managerial competencies and development outcomes, and conclusions about the magnitude of these associations should be treated as exploratory until measurement source and construct dimensionality are controlled.

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Published

2026-09-01

Issue

Section

Artículo Originales

How to Cite

[1]
Riaño Solano, M. et al. 2026. Managerial Competencies and Organizational Intelligence in SMEs in Cúcuta: A Reanalysis of Mediation and of the Structure of Associations. Mundo FESC Journal. 16, 36 (Sep. 2026). DOI:https://doi.org/10.61799/2216-0388.2370.

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