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Competence and competency frameworks

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This factsheet was last updated in July 2016.

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What are competence and competency frameworks?

The terms 'competency' and competencies focus on the personal attributes or inputs of an individual. They
can be defined as the behaviours (and technical attributes where appropriate) that individuals must have, or
must acquire, to perform effectively at work.
'Competence' and competences are broader concepts that encompass demonstrable performance outputs as
well as behaviour inputs, and may relate to a system or set of minimum standards required for effective
performance at work.
A competency framework is a structure that sets out and defines each individual competency (such as
problem-solving or people management) required by individuals working in an organisation or part of an
organisation.
In the past, HR professionals have tended to draw a clear distinction between 'competences' and
'competencies'. The term competence (competences) was used to describe what people need to do to
perform a job and was concerned with effect and output rather than effort and input. Competency
(competencies) described the behaviour that lies behind competent performance, such as critical thinking or
analytical skills, and described what people bring to the job. More recently however, there has been growing
awareness that job performance requires a mix of behaviour, attitude and action and the terms are now more
often used interchangeably.

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In line with the approach taken in a number of CIPD publications, the term 'competency' is preferred in this
factsheet except when specifically referring to the use of occupational standards (that is, an 'outcome-based'
approach) in which case the term 'competence' is used.
Login or register for a free account to continue reading this factsheet and to learn about:
What are competence and competency frameworks?
Basic principles of competency
Developing a competency framework
The practical use of competencies
Strengths and weaknesses
CIPD viewpoint
References
Further reading.

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25-10-2016 15:48