Competency

What Is Competency?
Competency refers to a measurable set of skills, behaviors, knowledge, and attributes that an individual must possess to perform a job effectively. It ensures that employees can meet or exceed performance expectations in their roles.

Types of Competencies

1. Core Competencies: Essential for all employees within an organization. These include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability.
2. Functional or Technical Competencies: Job-specific skills required for a particular role, such as programming for a developer or budgeting for a finance manager.
3. Leadership Competencies: Attributes necessary for managerial and strategic roles, such as decision-making, strategic thinking, and team development.
4. Behavioral Competencies: Soft skills and attitudes like emotional intelligence, work ethic, and collaboration.

Why Are Competencies Important in the Workplace?
Competencies serve as the foundation for various HR practices, including:

• Recruitment and selection
• Performance appraisals
• Learning and development
• Succession planning
• Career pathing

They ensure alignment between employee performance and business goals, helping organizations identify skill gaps and build workforce capabilities.

How Are Competencies Assessed?
Competency assessments are typically done through a mix of:

• Self-assessments
• Managerial evaluations
• 360-degree feedback
• Competency-based interviews
• On-the-job performance reviews

These tools help in tracking progress and guiding employee development plans.

Building a Competency Framework
An effective competency framework defines the skills and behaviors required for success across roles and departments. It helps standardize expectations, streamline training efforts, and improve organizational effectiveness.