Managerial competencies among first-line newsroom managers at small to medium-sized mainstream media enterprises in South Africa : management

• Published in: South African journal of economic and management sciences Vol. 9; no. 3; pp. 322 - 340
• Main Authors: Steyn, T.F.J., Steyn, Elanie
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: University of Pretoria 01.09.2006
• Subjects: M54
• ISSN: 1015-8812

Changes in the South African media and management environment have had distinct influences on especially small to medium-sized mainstream media enterprises (media SMEs) which often have to compete with bigger media organisations for the same news stories. Moreover, these media organisations are commonly faced with unique challenges related to human and other resources. This situation adds to the importance of effective and efficient management practices at these media sites. The management practices of first-line news managers in media SMEs are qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated in this paper by considering six managerial competencies found in general management theory. These competencies relate to communication, planning and administration, teamwork; strategic action, global awareness and self-management.