Skills and knowledge for public contract management: a taxonomy and integrative framework

Abstract Public sector contracting represents a major share of government spending worldwide and is crucial for the effective management of public resources. Like many other government functions, contracting requires a highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce to perform effectively. However, little conceptual research has addressed the human resources for contract management in the public sector. This article integrates the public sector contracting and human resource management (HRM) literatures to develop a taxonomy and integrative framework for contract management skills and knowledge. Drawing from a systematic review of the public contracting literature, we develop a taxonomy of essential competencies for public sector contract management: technical skills, interpersonal skills, strategic skills, market management skills, and foundational contracting knowledge. Based on this taxonomy, we develop an integrative framework linking contracting skills and knowledge to public sector contract performance, moderated by three key circumstances of exchange: products, markets, and stakeholder sensitivity. This article advances public management scholarship by offering a conceptual framework that can guide research into the human resources of effective public sector contract management across common circumstances of market exchange.