‘Leaders on Duty’: Managerial Competencies Serving Workers’ Satisfaction

The change management literature focusing on change management practices in large companies is well covered. Although, when it comes to small and medium size enterprises in Hungary (SME) there is less practical and theoretical research available. The roles of SME managers are determined by strict rules. As a result, special manager competencies are needed to raise satisfaction related to the implementation phase of the change process. In order to remain competitive in the long run, it is inevitable to respond and adapt to change in an adequate way. The article provides a comparative analysis through the method of case study and competency analyses by examining the successful change processes of two SMEs. The focus of the research is the managerial competencies of the change leaders. Beyond change leader competencies defined by Carnall some additional competencies were also identified.