Do employees' attributes and capabilities matter the intention to become a supply chain manager? Structural model analysis

Purpose This study aims to investigate how the employees' attributes, capabilities, behavioral control and behavioral intentions affect their intention to become a supply chain manager (SCM). The study also investigates how employees' capabilities mediate the relationship between attributes and intention to become SCM. Design/methodology/approach The purposive sampling frame is employed to collect the data, and multiple statistical tools and techniques are used for analyzing the data. Findings The findings reveal that attributes are the most crucial factor for the capabilities of employees to become successful SCM. Employees' behavioral intention and capabilities have a significant impact on intention, whereas perceived behavioral control has a significant negative impact on it. Also, the result finds that capabilities partially mediate the relationship between attributes and intention to become an SCM. Research limitations/implications The study extends the application of employees' intention to become a supply chain manager. The idea collected is based on Malaysia; thus, further study should be extended to assess the impact of employees' attributes, capabilities and behavioral control to become SCM as well as economic performance in other countries. Originality/value To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first empirical analysis on the relationship between employees' attributes, capabilities, behavioral control and intention to become SCM in the context of Malaysia. The findings will help the top management to select the right people as SCM and improve their attributes, capabilities and behavior so that they become an effective SCM.