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Competence or Competencies

TOPL Posted on by

Competence or Competencies
There has been some confusion around these terms since they first came in to common use in management language.
In recent years, (particularly in financial services) the term “Competence” has been used to define a minimum acceptable standard, whereas “Competencies” are the behaviours which lead to superior performance.

Competences

Competencies
Related to “average”, “basic” or “adequate” performance.
Usually focuses on specific knowledge, skills and experience.
The minimum acceptable level or standard.		 Based on research into superior performance.
Includes mainly less tangible characteristics:

  • drive
  • initiative
  • thinking ability
  • influencing skills
  • team-working
  • self-confidence

In combination, these competencies, or behavioural characteristics, contribute to superior performance. The main difference between these terms, in practice, is the extent by which they can be used to assess, recruit or develop people for “adequate” or “high” performance.

To be effective in a professional role requires the application of technical knowledge, skills and competencies:-

KNOWLEDGE

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

COMPETENCIES
Knowing what to do.The range of specialist or technical know-how required to perform a particular job.May be indicated by a vocational qualification.

 Being able to do it.

The ability to perform specific tasks, such as using a spreadsheet or risk analysis.
Some skills (e.g. business development) may be best demonstrated through proven experience.

 Being able to do it well.

The personal characteristics or attributes which have been shown to predict superior performance in a job.
Although often manifested in a job-specific way, some characteristics are found to be common across a wide range of jobs.

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