Sage Journals: Discover world-class research

Abstract

Non-professional project managers (NP-PM)-individuals leading projects based on domain expertise rather than formal project management credentials and certifications-play a growing role in hospitals. Despite their prevalence, their impact on project performance remains underexplored. This study introduces “coping good” as a distinctive intrinsic motivation explaining why NP-PM develop project management competencies. Using self-determination theory as an interpretative framework, the study explores how artifact usage, project performance domains alignment, and power skills development contribute to project performance. Analyzing data from 257 NP-PM with structural equation modeling (SEM), results reveal the importance of tailored training and support to enhance project success in resource-constrained settings.

Keywords

project performance hospital sector self-determination theory (SDT)project management training project management tools (artifacts)project performance domains power skills structural equation modeling (SEM)

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Ahlemann

El Arbi

Kaiser

M. G.

Heck

. (2013). A process framework for theoretically grounded prescriptive research in the project management field. International Journal of Project Management, 31(1), 43–56. 10.1016/j.ijproman.2012.03.008

Association for Project Management (APM). (2015). APM competence framework (2nd ed.). APM.

Aslam

Bilal

. (2021). Impact of project management certification on project performance. Journal of Project Management, 6, 133–142. 10.5267/j.jpm.2021.3.001

Axelos/PeopleCert. (2023). Managing successful projects with PRINCE2 (7e éd.). PeopleCert.

Belassi

Tukel

O. I

. (1996). A new framework for determining critical success/failure factors in projects. International Journal of Project Management, 14(3), 141–151. 10.1016/0263-7863(95)00064-x

Blomquist

Farashah

Thomas

. (2018). Feeling good, being good, and looking good: Motivations for, and benefits from, project management certification. International Journal of Project Management, 36(3), 498–511. 10.1016/j.ijproman.2017.11.006

Blomquist

Hällgren

Nilsson

Söderholm

. (2010). Project as practice: In search of project management research that matters. Project Management Journal, 41(1), 5–16. 10.1002/pmj.20141

Bonneville-Roussy

Fenouillet

Morvan

. (2022). Introduction aux analyses par équations structurelles: Applications avec Mplus en psychologie et sciences sociales [Introduction to structural equation modeling: Applications with Mplus in psychology and social sciences]. Dunod.

Boyatzis

R. E

. (2008). Competencies in the 21st century. Journal of Management Development, 27(1), 5–12. 10.1108/02621710810840730

10.

Brill

J. M.

Bishop

M. J.

Walker

A. E

. (2006). The competencies and characteristics required of an effective project manager: A web-based Delphi study. Educational Technology Research and Development, 54(2), 115–140. 10.1007/s11423-006-8251-y

11.

Carvalho

M. M.

Patah

L. A.

Souza Bido

. (2015). Project management and its effects on project success: Cross-country and cross-industry comparisons. International Journal of Project Management, 33(7), 1509–1522. 10.1016/j.ijproman.2015.04.004

12.

Chiocchio

Rabbat

Lebel

. (2015). Multi-level efficacy evidence of a combined interprofessional collaboration and project management training program for healthcare project teams. Project Management Journal, 46(4), 20–34. 10.1002/pmj.21507

13.

Cooper

Eva

Fazlelahi

F. Z.

Newman

Lee

Obschonka

. (2020). Addressing common method variance and endogeneity in vocational behavior research: A review of the literature and suggestions for future research. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 121, 103472. 10.1016/j.jvb.2020.103472

14.

Crawford

. (2005). Senior management perceptions of project management competence. International Journal of Project Management, 23(1), 7–16. 10.1016/j.ijproman.2004.06.005

15.

Crawford

Pollack

. (2007). How generic are project management knowledge and practice? Project Management Journal, 38(1), 87–96. 10.1177/875697280703800109

16.

Deci

E. L.

Ryan

R. M

. (1985). The general causality orientations scale: Self-determination in personality. Journal of Research in Personality, 19(2), 109–134. 10.1016/0092-6566(85)90023-6

17.

Deci

E. L.

Ryan

R. M

. (2000). The “what” and “why” of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227–268. 10.1207/S15327965PLI1104_01

18.

Dildar

Shah

Nazir

Zaman

. (2014). Limited use of project management tools and techniques: Determining and evaluating the reasons. Academia Arena, 6(3), 1–11.

19.

Dobin

V. M.

Lazar

. (2020). Project management and quality in healthcare: A systematic literature review. PM World Journal, 9(9), 1–15.

20.

Dwyer

. (2019). Project management in health and community services. Routledge. 10.4324/9781003116899

21.

Farashah

A. D.

Thomas

Blomquist

. (2019). Exploring the value of project management certification in selection and recruiting. International Journal of Project Management, 37(1), 14–26. 10.1016/j.ijproman.2018.09.005

22.

Ferraro

(2012). Project management for non-project managers. AMACOM Division of American Management Association International. http://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt1d2dq68

23.

Fertig

Zeitz

Blau

. (2009). Building internal motivation for worker competency certifications: A critique and proposal. Human Resource Development Review, 8(2), 197–222. 10.1177/1534484309333614

24.

Fisher

. (2011). What practitioners consider to be the skills and behaviors of an effective people project manager. International Journal of Project Management, 29(8), 994–1002. 10.1016/j.ijproman.2010.09.002

25.

Folkman

Moskowitz

J. T

. (2004). Coping: Pitfalls and promise. Annual Review of Psychology, 55, 745–774. 10.1146/annurev.psych.55.090902.141456

26.

Forsberg

Mooz

Cotterman

. (2005). Visualizing project management (3rd ed.). John Wiley & Sons.

27.

Frame

J. D

. (2002). The accidental project manager: Surviving the transition from techie to manager (1st ed.). John Wiley & Sons.

28.

Fuller

C. M.

Simmering

M. J.

Atinc

Babin

B. J

. (2016). Common methods variance detection in business research. Journal of Business Research, 69(8), 3192–3198. 10.1016/j.jbusres.2015.12.008

29.

Gagné

Deci

E. L

. (2005). Self-determination theory and work motivation. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 26(4), 331–362. 10.1002/job.322

30.

Gareis

Huemann

. (2011). Project management competences in he project-oriented organization. In Turner

J. R.

Simister

S. J.

(Eds.), The Gower handbook of project management (pp. 709–721). Gower.

31.

Geraldi

Maylor

Williams

. (2011). Now, let’s make it really complex (complicated): A systematic review of the complexities of projects. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 31(9), 966–990. 10.1108/01443571111165848

32.

Ghozali

I. H

. (2023). Exploration of the project risk management framework for information technology companies. CogITo Smart Journal, 9(2), 266–279. 10.31154/cogito.v9i2.517.266-279

33.

Hair

J. F.

Hult

G. T. M.

Ringle

Sarstedt

. (2016). A primer on partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) (2nd ed.). Sage Publications.

34.

Henseler

Dijkstra

T. K.

Sarstedt

Ringle

C. M.

Diamantopoulos

Straub

D. W.

Ketchen

D. J.

Calantone

R. J

. (2014). Common beliefs and reality about PLS: Comments on Rönkkö and Evermann. Organizational Research Methods, 17(2), 182–209. 10.1177/1094428114526928

35.

Henseler

Ringle

C. M.

Sarstedt

. (2015). A new criterion for assessing discriminant validity in variance-based structural equation modeling. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 43(1), 115–135. 10.1007/s11747-014-0403-8

36.

Hill

L. A

. (1992). Becoming a manager: Mastery of a new identity. Harvard Business Review Press.

37.

Hodgson

Fred

Bailey

Hall

(Eds.). (2019). The projectification of the public sector (1st ed.). Routledge. 10.4324/9781315098586

38.

Hollister

Watkins

M. D

. (2018). Too many projects. Harvard Business Review, 96(5) 64–71.

39.

Houllier

J.-R.

Saupin

. (2010). Project management for non-project managers: Building again Il Duomo. In PMI® Global Congress 2010—EMEA, Milan, Italy. Project Management Institute (PMI).

40.

Houssaye

. (1988). Théorie et pratiques de l’éducation [Theory and practice of education]. Peter Lang.

41.

L. T.

Bentler

P. M

. (1999). Cutoff criteria for fit indexes in covariance structure analysis: Conventional criteria versus new alternatives. Structural Equation Modeling: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 6(1), 1–55. 10.1080/10705519909540118

42.

Huemann

. (2010). Considering human resource management when developing a project-oriented company: Case study of a telecommunication company. International Journal of Project Management, 28(4), 361–369. 10.1016/j.ijproman.2010.02.008

43.

Ika

L. A

. (2015). Opening the black box of project management: Does World Bank project supervision influence project impact? International Journal of Project Management, 33(5), 1111–1123. 10.1016/j.ijproman.2015.01.005

44.

International Project Management Association (IPMA). (2006). ICB—IPMA competence baseline (Version 3.0). IPMA.

45.

International Project Management Association (IPMA). (2015). Individual competence baseline for project, programme and portfolio management (ICB v4.0). IPMA.

46.

Judgev

Müller

. (2005). Success is a moving target: A retrospective look at project success and our evolving understanding of the concept. Project Management Journal, 36(4), 19–31.

47.

Kerzner

. (2003). Strategic planning for a project office. Project Management Journal, 34(2), 13–25. 10.1177/875697280303400203

48.

Kerzner

. (2017a). Project management: A systems approach to planning, scheduling, and controlling (12th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.

49.

Kerzner

. (2017b). Project management metrics, KPIs, and dashboards: A guide to measuring and monitoring project performance. John Wiley & Sons.

50.

Kogon

Blakemore

(2024). Project management for the unofficial project manager. BenBella Books.

51.

Lamb

Zimring

Chuzi

Dutcher

. (2010). Designing better healthcare environments: Interprofessional competencies in healthcare design. Journal of Interprofessional Care, 24(4), 422–435. 10.3109/13561820903520344

52.

Lategan

Fore

. (2015). The impact of leadership styles on project success: Case of a telecommunication company. Journal of Governance and Regulation, 4(3), 48–56. 10.22495/jgr_v4_i3_p4

53.

Latham

. (2012). What we know and what we would like to know about human resource management certification. Human Resource Management Review, 22(4), 269–270. 10.1016/j.hrmr.2012.06.012

54.

Lazarus

R. S.

Folkman

. (1984). Stress, appraisal, and coping. Springer Publishing Company.

55.

Lechler

R. C.

Huemann

. (2024). Motivation of young project professionals: Their needs for autonomy, competence, relatedness, and purpose. Project Management Journal, 55(1), 50–67. 10.1177/87569728231195587

56.

Leino

. (2022). Informal leadership: An integrative view and future research. VAKKI Publications, 14(1), 118–136. 10.70484/vakki.149330

57.

Leybourne

. (2007). The changing bias of project management research: A consideration of the literatures and an application of extant theory. Project Management Journal, 38(1), 61–73. 10.1177/875697280703800107

58.

Liu

Zeng

Papadonikolaki

Maritshane

Chan

P. W

. (2024). The future of digitalized project practices through data savvy talent: A digital competence formation perspective. Project Leadership and Society, 5, Article 100120.

10.1016/j.plas.2024.100120

59.

Lutas

Nistor

Radu

Beleiu

. (2020). Perceptions regarding the profile of an ideal project manager. Amfiteatru Economic, 22(54), 608–622. 10.24818/EA/2020/54/608

60.

Manoun

. (2021). Compétences douces des gestionnaires de projet: Un éclairage à partir d’une revue systématique de la littérature [Soft skills of project managers: Insights from a systematic literature review]. Paper presented at the 88th ACFAS Congress.

61.

McDermott

Antony

Bhat

Jayaraman

Rosa

Marolla

Parida

. (2022). Lean Six Sigma in healthcare: A systematic literature review on motivations and benefits. Processes, 10(10), Article 1910.

10.3390/pr10101910

62.

Meredith

J. R.

Mantel

S. J

Jr. . (2009). Project management: A managerial approach (8th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.

63.

Milosevic

D. Z

. (2003). Project management toolbox: Tools and techniques for the practicing project manager. John Wiley & Sons.

64.

Miloševic

Iewwongcharoen

. (2004). Project management tools and techniques: The contingency use and their impacts on project success. In PMI Research Conference: Innovations, London, England. Project Management Institute (PMI).

65.

Mintzberg

. (1973). The nature of managerial work. Harper & Row.

66.

Mir

F. A.

Pinnington

A. H

. (2014). Exploring the value of project management: Linking project management performance and project success. International Journal of Project Management, 32(2), 202–217. 10.1016/j.ijproman.2013.05.012

67.

Morris

P. W. G

. (2014). Project management: A profession with a hole in its head or why a change in the culture of academic support is needed for the profession. The Engineering Project Organization Journal, 4(2–3), 147–151. 10.1080/21573727.2013.873717

68.

Morris

P. W. G.

Pinto

J. K

. (Eds.). (2010). The Wiley guide to project, program, and portfolio management. John Wiley & Sons.

69.

Müller

Turner

. (2010). Leadership competency profiles of successful project managers. International Journal of Project Management, 28(5), 437–448. 10.1016/j.ijproman.2009.09.003

70.

Murray-Webster

Dalcher

(Eds.). (2019). APM body of knowledge (7e éd.). Association for Project Management (APM).

71.

Nicolini

(2012). Practice theory, work, and organization: An introduction. Oxford University Press. 10.19154/njwls.v5i3a.4837

72.

Noordegraaf

. (2007). From “pure” to “hybrid” professionalism: Present-day professionalism in ambiguous public domains. Administration & Society, 39(6), 761–785. 10.1177/0095399707304434

73.

Pacheco

P. O.

Coello-Montecel

Tello

Lasio

Armijos

. (2023). How do project managers’ competencies impact project success? A systematic literature review. PLOS ONE, 18(12), e0295417. 10.1371/journal.pone.0295417

74.

Pant

Baroudi

. (2008). Project management education: The human skills imperative. International Journal of Project Management, 26(2), 124–128. 10.1016/j.ijproman.2007.05.010

75.

Pappas

. (2005). The state of project management training. PM Network, 19(8), 60–66.

76.

Parsons-Hann

Liu

(2005). Measuring requirement complexity to increase the probability of project success. In Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference on Enterprise Information Systems (pp. 434–438). 10.5220/0002548104340438

77.

Patanakul

Iewwongcharoen

Milosevic

. (2010). An empirical study on the use of project management tools and techniques across project life cycle and their impact on project success. Journal of General Management, 35(3), 41–65. 10.1177/030630701003500304

78.

Pinto

J. K.

Trailer

J. W.

(1998). Leadership skills for project managers. Project Management Institute (PMI).

79.

Pinto

J. K.

Winch

. (2016). The unsettling of “settled science”: The past and future of the management of projects. International Journal of Project Management, 34(2), 237–245. 10.1016/j.ijproman.2015.07.011

80.

Project Management Institute (PMI). (2009). A guide to the project management body of knowledge (PMBOK® guide)—Fourth edition. PMI.

81.

Project Management Institute (PMI). (2013). Pulse of the profession in-depth report: The impact of PMOs on strategy implementation. https://www.pmi.org/∼/media/PDF/Publications/PMI-Pulse-Impact-of-PMOs-on-Strategy-Implementation.ashx

82.

Project Management Institute (PMI). (2021). A guide to the project management body of knowledge (PMBOK® guide)—Seventh edition. PMI.

83.

Project Management Institute (PMI). (2023). Pulse of the profession 2023: Power skills, redefining project success. https://www.pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/pulse/power-skills-redefining-project-success

84.

Project Management Institute (PMI). (2025). A guide to the project management body of knowledge (PMBOK® guide)—Eighth edition. PMI.

85.

Podsakoff

P. M.

MacKenzie

S. B.

Lee

J. Y.

Podsakoff

N. P

. (2003). Common method biases in behavioral research: A critical review of the literature and recommended remedies. Journal of Applied Psychology, 88(5), 879–903. 10.1037/0021-9010.88.5.879

86.

QRP. (2021). Healthcare project management: Challenges and benefits. https://www.qrpinternational.be/blog/project-management/healthcare-project-management-challenges-and-benefits/

87.

Richmond

Skitmore

. (2006). Stress and coping: A study of project managers in a large ICT organization. Project Management Journal, 37(5), 5–16. 10.1177/875697280603700502

88.

Ringle

C. M.

Wende

Becker

J.-M

. (2015). SmartPLS 3 . SmartPLS. https://www.smartpls.com

89.

Ryan

R. M.

Deci

E. L

. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78. 10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.68

90.

Sandhu

Al Ameri

Shahzad

Naseem

(2024). The role of project management office in the implementation of strategic plans in project-based organisations. PLOS ONE, 19(6), e0306702. 10.1371/journal.pone.0306702

91.

Shenhar

Dvir

Levy

Maltz

. (2001). Project success: A multidimensional strategic concept. Long Range Planning, 34(6), 699–725. 10.1016/S0024-6301(01)00097-8

92.

Shenhar

A. J.

Dvir

. (2007). Reinventing project management: The diamond approach to successful growth and innovation. Harvard Business Press.

93.

Skinner

E. A.

Edge

Altman

Sherwood

. (2003). Searching for the structure of coping: A review and critique of category systems for classifying ways of coping. Psychological Bulletin, 129(2), 216–269. 10.1037/0033-2909.129.2.216

94.

Svejvig

Andersen

. (2015). Rethinking project management: A structured literature review with a critical look at the brave new world. International Journal of Project Management, 33(2), 278–290. 10.1016/j.ijproman.2014.06.004

95.

Thompson

Cox

. (2017). How coaching is used and understood by project managers in organizations. Project Management Journal, 48(5), 64–77. 10.1177/875697281704800505

96.

Turner

J. R

. (2014). The handbook of project-based management: Leading strategic change in organizations (4th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

97.

Turner

Müller

. (2005). The project manager’s leadership style as a success factor on projects: A literature review. Project Management Journal, 36(2), 49–61.

98.

Verzuh

. (2016). The fast forward MBA in project management (5th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.

99.

Vidal

L. A.

Marle

. (2008). Understanding project complexity: Implications on project management. Kybernetes, 37(8), 1094–1110. 10.1108/03684920810884928

100.

Wen

Qiang

. (2019). Project managers’ competences in managing project closing. Project Management Journal, 50(3), 361–375. 10.1177/8756972819832783

101.

White

Fortune

. (2002). Current practice in project management: An empirical study. International Journal of Project Management, 20(1), 1–11. 10.1016/S0263-7863(00)00029-6

Introducing “Coping Good” as a Motivational Driver for Non-Professional Project Managers in Hospitals: An Interpretative Framework Inspired by Self-Determination Theory

Abstract

Keywords

Get full access to this article

References