Competency Models
Purpose
Competency models identify and define the knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes and traits required for peak job performance.
Competency models can serve as the basis for developing an integrated human resources system including:
Recruitment and selection
Organizational skills assessment
Training curriculum design
Performance management
Individual development planning
Rewards and recognition
Business planning
Process
Review relevant business plans.
Incorporate multiple perspectives and research methodologies for greater validity, including:
Telephone or in-person interviews with job incumbents, managers, customers, and stakeholders.
Focus groups with high performers and/or stakeholders.
Benchmarking research (internal and/or external).
Define critical competencies based on:
High performance behaviors.
Behaviorally anchored performance ratings.
Benefits
Improve knowledge and skill levels.
Link the company's strategic direction with internal capabilities by defining precisely what people need to do to execute organizational strategies.
Provide a foundation for aligning HR processes and optimizing performance, including through training, individual development and selection.
Case Study
An information services company decided to develop an integrated competency-based Human Resource system.
Result
Core and functional competencies for all jobs in the organization were identified. These competencies became the basis for recruitment, training, performance management and compensation practices, creating alignment of HR processes with business strategy.
