Competency Framework

Competency Framework A competency framework is a comprehensive structure which describes different competencies with its specific set of behavioral indicators and measurement criteria. Most of the organizations have their own distinct set of competency framework which is in alignment to their visions and mission and long and short term organizational goals.There are certain clear benefits of the competency framework for the organizations: 1. A common understanding of critical success factors and desired behaviors within the organization 2. Integration of organizational process to competencies helps the interpretation of big picture concerns in day to day working [e.g. Situation of a new product launch and the competency Customer Focus valued by the organization] 3. Better management and effective decisions regarding cost intensive processes like selection, hiring and promotions 4. Assessment, feedback and communication regarding performance becomes standardized thus facilitating a common culture | |
Generally competencies have behavioral indicators as their building blocks, related behaviors are grouped under a competency and similar theme of competencies are further grouped together to form clusters. Ideally, a cluster of 8-12 competencies are found to be sufficient but one can also come across frameworks containing more than 15 competencies.
Key points to consider while developing a competency framework: * The description should be as specific as possible to remove any traces of ambiguity * The language needs to be simple to make it comprehensible by the larger audience * The structure has to be simple and logical * The framework should be relevant for all the people using it and being affected by it * The framework should take into account unexpected changes that might affect organizational transactions, which means that it should clearly outline the behaviors that describe the manner in which the job incumbents are to