Adewale Rehman Ashiru (York St John University, London Campus, UK)
ABSTRACT
This literature review examines the critical leadership competencies necessary for effective project management and their impact on project success. Drawing on a comprehensive analysis of recent studies, key competencies such as communication, emotional intelligence, decisionmaking, team leadership, adaptability, and strategic vision are identified as vital for project managers. The review highlights a strong correlation between these competencies and positive project outcomes, including timely completion, budget adherence, quality deliverables, and enhanced team satisfaction. Despite the valuable insights provided, the existing research is limited by a narrow focus on internal project management processes, exclusion of additional contextual factors, and restricted sample sizes, which constrain the generalizability of the findings. The review suggests that future research should encompass a broader range of influencing factors, include diverse project environments, and utilize larger sample sizes. Practical recommendations include the development of targeted training programs, implementation of mentoring and coaching systems, and incorporation of competency assessments in hiring processes. By addressing these areas, both theoretical understanding and practical application of leadership competencies in project management can be significantly enhanced, leading to improved project outcomes.