Competence (polyseme)

For other uses, see Competence (disambiguation).
Part of a series on
Psychology
Basic psychology
Applied psychology
Concepts
Lists
Generic competence model with corresponding attributes

Competence (also called competency[1] or capability[2]) is a polyseme[3][4][5] indicating a variety of different notions. In current literature, three notions are most evident. The first notion is that of a general competence, which is someone's capacity or ability to perform effectively on a specified set of behavioral attributes (e.g. performances, skills, attitudes, tasks, roles, talents, and so forth).[6][7][8] The second notion refers to someone's capacity or ability to successfully perform a specific behavioral attribute — be it overt or covert — like learning a language, reading a book or playing a musical instrument.[8][9][10] In both notions, someone may be qualified as being competent. In a third notion, a competence is the behavioral attribute itself, instead of a general or specific capacity or ability.[11][12] One may for example excel at the competence of baking, at the competency of ceramics, or at the capability of reflexivity.

The pluralized forms of competence and competency are respectively competences and competencies.[13] According to Boyatzis (2008) competencies are part of a behavioral approach to emotional, social, and cognitive intelligence.[14] Moreover, competence is measurable and can be developed through training.[14] In the context of human resources, practice may enable someone to improve the efficiency or performance of an activity or a job.[14]

Concepts like knowledge, expertise, values or desires are not behavioral attributes but can be contained in behavior once executed.[8] Take for example sharing knowledge or actualizing a desire.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference :1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Leonard-Barton, Dorothy. (1992). Core capabilities and core rigidities: A paradox in managing new product development. Strategic Management Journal. Vol. 13.
  3. ^ Ayala, Otto. (2020). Information skills and research competences in university students. National Major University of San Marcos. Vol. 2, No. 4, pp. 668–679
  4. ^ Climent Bonilla, Juan B. (2017). Strengths and weaknesses of the polysemic concept of "competencies". Vol. 17, No. 3, pp. 33–63. ISSN 1409-4703.
  5. ^ Tamayo M.J.V. & Rodríguez L.R.F. (2023). The conceptual treatment of professional competences an approximation. pp. 7–9
  6. ^ Škrinjarić, Bruno. (2022). Competence-based approaches in organizational and individual context. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications. Vol. 9.
  7. ^ Van Aken, M.A.G. (1992). The development of general competence and domain-specific competencies. Wiley Online Library. Vol. 6.
  8. ^ a b c Arifin, M. A. (2021). Competence, Competency, and Competencies: A Misunderstanding in Theory and Practice for Future Reference. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences. pp. 755–764.
  9. ^ Aberšek, Boris. (2018). Problem-Based Learning and Proprioception. Cambridge Scholars Publishing.
  10. ^ Coit Butler, F. (1978). The Concept of Competence: An Operational Definition. Educational Technology Publications, Inc. Vol. 18, No. 1. pp. 7–18
  11. ^ Gervais, J. (2016). The operational definition of competency-based education. Wiley Online Library. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbe2.1011
  12. ^ Wong, S.C. (2020). Competency Definitions, Development and Assessment: A Brief Review. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development. pp. 95–114.
  13. ^ Vitello, S., Greatorex, J., Shaw, S. (2021). What is competence? A shared interpretation of competence to support teaching, learning and assessment. Cambridge University Press & Assessment
  14. ^ a b c Boyatzis, R.E. (2008). Competencies in the 21st century. Journal of Management Development. ISSN: 0262-1711.