Development a Competency Model for Supervisors in the Textile Industry in the Digital Economy Era

Abstract

The purposes of this study were 1) to study the competency components of supervisors in the textile industry in the digital economy era, 2) to develop a competency model for supervisors in the textile industry in the digital economy era, and 3) to prepare a guideline for competency development of supervisors in textile factories in the digital economy era. This research was a mixed method including qualitative research and quantitative research. Qualitative research used in-depth interviews with 7 experts and focus group discussions with 15 people. These tools’ data were analyzed using content analysis. Quantitative research used a questionnaire for 300 people. Its data were analyzed using statistics, percentages, averages, standard deviations, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The results found that the competency model for supervisors in the textile industry in the digital economy era consisted of 3 areas and 17 elements. The first area was knowledge consisting of 5 elements: 1) knowledge of production management, 2) knowledge of digital technology in production, 3) knowledge of machine repair and maintenance, 4) knowledge of digital communication technology, and 5) knowledge of design and material selection. The second area, skills, consisted of 8 elements: 1) efficient resource utilization, 2) work system development, 3) technology application in human resource development, 4) production process improvement, 5) monitoring and evaluation, 6) workplace safety management, 7) problem-solving and decision-making, and 8) application of digital technology in production. The last area, personal characteristics included 4 components: 1) morality, ethics, and leadership, 2) good interpersonal relationships and communication, 3) teamwork, and 4) love and loyalty to the organization. For the competency model of supervisors in the textile industry in the digital economy era, all 15 experts agreed that it was appropriate. For the guideline for the competency model of supervisors in the textile industry in the digital economy era, 5 experts agreed that it was appropriate and could be applied.