If you would like to write for this, or any other Emerald publication, then please use our Emerald for Authors service information about how to choose which publication to write for and submission guidelines are available for all. Please visit www.emeraldinsight.com/authors for more information. About Emerald www.emeraldinsight.comEmerald is a global publisher linking research and practice to the benefit of society. The company manages a portfolio of more than 290 journals and over 2,350 books and book series volumes, as well as providing an extensive range of online products and additional customer resources and services.Emerald is both COUNTER 4 and TRANSFER compliant. The organization is a partner of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and also works with Portico and the LOCKSS initiative for digital archive preservation. AbstractPurpose -The purpose of this research is to examine which competencies have to be addressed in individual training programs that can help government officials to implement decentralisation policies in Mexico. The paper is based on a psychosocial approach to training seeking to enhance knowledge and skills. Design/methodology/approach -An extensive structured interview was held with a sample of 75 municipality and state officials, to survey the needs and difficulties experienced by officials in the realization of decentralization measures. Findings -Results show lack of competencies and agency among the officials in various respects, such as fear of decision making and low self confiidence.Research limitations/implications -The analysis is based on the perceptions and views of the participants. Further steps will be needed to develop and test an actual training program. Practical implications -Lack of success of decentralisation is in part attributable to lack of relevant social competencies among officials. This can be addressed by training programs. Originality/value -The article advocates a capacity building approach that addresses the individual as well as the institutional and policy environment. It focuses on specific beliefs, knowledge, attitudes and skills that enable kinds of behavior changes likely to facilitate decentralization. When individuals develop psychosocial skills, their competency to take initiative, and to confidently and responsibly deal with difficult situations (i.e. agency) is enhanced.