Competencies in the public sector: An overview of national and international scientific production

This study characterized the theoretical and empirical academic production on competencies in public administration, in national and international journals, in the Spell and Web of Science databases, considering methods and themes addressed. A bibliometric analysis of the literature was applied, with methodological typification, multiple correspondence analysis, and strategic diagrams prepared based on the keywords of the 86 articles analyzed. The findings showed a distinction between national and international research because, while the former frequently employed case studies, the latter proved to be more heterogeneous. These results indicate the need for methodological and thematic diversification of Brazilian research on the topic, especially using a quantitative approach and considering different public administration sectors, to identify what influences its development and results. A research agenda was also presented for researchers and public managers, given the importance of closer ties between management activity and academia for developing knowledge on the subject in Brazil.

Keywords:
competencies; public administration; strategic management; bibliometrics; multiple correspondence analysis