Abstract
There is some inconsistency between the theory and practice of the analysis of deficits in managerial
capabilities. Some academic literature suggests that the study of needs should be considered as gaps in
competencies (Bee and Bee, 1994; PeirΓ³, 1999), but organizations actually analyze needs as training preferences (Ford and
Noe, 1987; Guthrie and Schwoerer, 1994, 1996; Tharenou, 1991).
The aim of this study is to analyze technical and generic managerial competency needs and managerial training
requests in order to conclude which method provides more accurate information on the real deficits in managerial
capabilities. The sample was made up of eighty managers from hotels and restaurants in the Valencian Community on
the Mediterranean coast of Spain.
The results show, on the one hand, the existence of technical competency needs in many topics or areas of
knowledge (for example, economicβfinancial management, marketing and market analysis) and also in
generic competencies (such as control of hasty reactions in highly emotive situations). However,
managers request additional training only in technical aspects, such as information technology and languages, but
not in generic aspects. In any case, both methods could be considered complementary. The authors discuss
implications and limitations of the study as well as directions for future research.