Dissertation defence (Management and Organization): MSc Dennis Grenda
Time
5.9.2025 12.00 – 16.00
MSc Dennis Grenda defends the dissertation in Management and Organization titled “Exploring Managerial Competencies in the Digital Age” at the University of Turku on 5 September 2025 at 12.00 (University of Turku, Turku School of Economics, Lähitapiola Lecture Hall, Rehtorinpellonkatu 3, Turku).
The audience can participate in the defence by remote access: https://utu.zoom.us/j/66113809842
Opponent: Professor Jonna Koponen (University of Eastern Finland)
Custos: Professor Satu Teerikangas (University of Turku)
Doctoral Dissertation at UTUPub: https://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-02-0200-2
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Summary of the Doctoral Dissertation:
In today’s world, technology is changing quickly, and organizations are using digital tools and artificial intelligence (AI) more than ever. This means managers need new competencies to keep up and lead successfully. My research looked into what these competencies are and why they matter.
One of the main findings is that there is no clear, shared understanding of what "managerial competence" means. In my thesis, I identified seven key components that make up a competent manager — among them role, proficiency, disposition, capability, and context — and provided a clear and operational definition of managerial competence.
Moreover, I discovered that managing in a digital world requires knowing how to use digital tools, leading teams remotely, and developing soft skills like communication and problem solving. These skills have become even more important since remote work became widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Finally, I examined how managing with AI is different from traditional management. I found that managers need new competencies, such as understanding how to work alongside AI, learning about new AI tools, and being curious to keep up with advances. These competencies are essential for making AI work well in organizations.
My research helps organizations and trainers understand what competencies managers need today. It shows that to succeed, managers must develop both traditional and new digital and AI-related competencies. Ultimately, this work aims to prepare managers for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age, helping organizations stay competitive and innovative.
The audience can participate in the defence by remote access: https://utu.zoom.us/j/66113809842
Opponent: Professor Jonna Koponen (University of Eastern Finland)
Custos: Professor Satu Teerikangas (University of Turku)
Doctoral Dissertation at UTUPub: https://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-02-0200-2
***
Summary of the Doctoral Dissertation:
In today’s world, technology is changing quickly, and organizations are using digital tools and artificial intelligence (AI) more than ever. This means managers need new competencies to keep up and lead successfully. My research looked into what these competencies are and why they matter.
One of the main findings is that there is no clear, shared understanding of what "managerial competence" means. In my thesis, I identified seven key components that make up a competent manager — among them role, proficiency, disposition, capability, and context — and provided a clear and operational definition of managerial competence.
Moreover, I discovered that managing in a digital world requires knowing how to use digital tools, leading teams remotely, and developing soft skills like communication and problem solving. These skills have become even more important since remote work became widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Finally, I examined how managing with AI is different from traditional management. I found that managers need new competencies, such as understanding how to work alongside AI, learning about new AI tools, and being curious to keep up with advances. These competencies are essential for making AI work well in organizations.
My research helps organizations and trainers understand what competencies managers need today. It shows that to succeed, managers must develop both traditional and new digital and AI-related competencies. Ultimately, this work aims to prepare managers for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age, helping organizations stay competitive and innovative.
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