AJBUMA Publishing, University of Nairobi - School of Business African Journal of Business and Management, Vol. 3, 2013 ISSN 2079-410X, ISBN 978-9966-1570-3-4 152 PERCEIVED VARIABLES AFFECTING PERFORMANCE OF FRONTLINE MANAGERS IN INDIAN POWER DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES Suresh Vishwakarma PhD Scholar, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, India sureshvishwakarma@hotmail.com Alka Dwivedi Assistant Professor, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, India adwivedi@ddn.upes.ac.in Abstract Frontline managers in power distribution companies play a key role in providing the most essential services to a large section of country’s population. Consequent to power sector reforms in India, the job of frontline managers has acquired new dimensions and puts various demands on the time and expertise of the job incumbent. In this context the present paper attempts to identify the extrinsic and intrinsic variables that affect the job performance of frontline managers in lately formed power distribution companies (DISCOMs). The data collected from a sample of 100 frontline managers, on analysis, results in a 30-scale item with Cronbach Alpha value 0.965. The validated instrument comprised of ive factors: personal support, organizational support, work structure, freedom, and skill variety. Regression analysis shows the relative signiicance of various factors. The results conirmed signiicant impact on the performance level depending upon the conducive or contrary status of different variables under study. This paper can help in understanding the perception of frontline managers on various factors affecting their performance at workplace. Replication of the study in different companies and regions can help in overcoming the culture speciicity and respondent’s bias which may have affected the results of the study. Key words: Frontline managers, power distribution companies, engineers, variables, performance. Introduction and Reserach Objective Prior to the power sector reforms introduced in India in 1990s, most of the state owned electricity boards and utilities providing the most essential services to a large population were like sick giants suffering from poor infrastructure, inancial crunch, non-professional management of the system, low tariffs, high technical, and commercial losses, power theft, misuse, corruption and erosion of values, political interference (IGNOU, 2007). Consequent to reforms, the newly formed power distribution companies (DISCOMs) need to operate more eficiently, generate revenue, and better serve the customers. Upon introducing reforms, the change management is successfully ongoing. A sense of belongingness is being developed among the human capital (IGNOU, 2007). Efforts are underway to gain conidence of existing employees by assuring employees-friendly policies. Management is stressing on promoting in-house training programmes on quality, skills and technical management to focus on customer satisfaction. The