MANAGEMENT COMPETENCE OF AN OFFICER OF THE NATIONAL GUARD OF UKRAINE: CATEGORICAL AND EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

The article substantiates the relevance of conducting an in-depth study of managerial competence in the context of current security challenges. It is emphasized that the increasing intensity of military conflicts, the complexity and multidimensionality of managerial decisions, as well as the high dependence of the operational effectiveness of military units on the quality of leadership activities, necessitate a systemic analysis and rethinking of the essence and structural components of officers’ managerial competence.The article generalizes scientific approaches to the definition of the concept of «competence» and states that it reflects an individual’s capacity to perform professional activities effectively, based on the integration of knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, motivation, and personal qualities. It is noted that in the context of managerial activity, competence is a decisive factor of effective leadership, as it ensures the ability of a leader to make well-reasoned decisions, organize interaction, and be accountable for achieving set objectives. The necessity of well-formed managerial competence in leaders at various levels is substantiated, as it is essential for the proper execution of their functional tasks and responsibilities in accordance with the requirements of military service.A theoretical and methodological analysis of the concept of «managerial competence» based on recent scientific studies has been conducted, revealing its semantic multidimensionality and the dependence of its content on the nature of professional activity. Empirical data were collected through interviews, reflecting practitioners’ perceptions of the content of managerial competence. Based on the findings, the author formulates an original definition of the managerial competence of an officer of the National Guard of Ukraine as an integrated characteristic of the ability to effectively exercise the authority of a commander (leader) under the conditions of service-combat activity, to make justified managerial decisions in situations of risk, uncertainty, and combat stress, ensuring the organization, coordination, and control of subordinate actions in accordance with regulatory acts, while upholding the values of statehood, civil protection, public order, and the observance of human rights.