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Competency Mapping
Introduction
Competencies are the set of knowledge, skills and behaviour attributes which are required to perform effectively in a particular job position. They are demonstrated capabilities and behavioural manifestations that are known to lead to success more often then not. Competency could also be defined as behaviour (i.e. communication, leadership) rather than a skill or ability.
A competency map is an assessment tool that outlines the skills and behaviours required to succeed as a manager and/or leader. Most importantly, it is a vehicle by which sponsors and team members are able to help focus and support a participant's learning process. It identifies key competencies for an organisation and/or a job and incorporates those competencies throughout the various processes (i.e. job evaluation, training, recruitment) of the organisation. It is the process by which the required competency levels for any specific role or position in the business are defined.
Competency mapping, as a concept is relatively new to the Indian organisational environment, but due to the effectiveness of the concept, it is emerging very fast as a regular Human resource management practice.
Competency Mapping... Why?
The competency mapping process is designed to arrive at attributes (inherent personal traits), and competencies (knowledge, skills and abilities required in a job), unique to the client organisation. Once a competency map is developed and validated, it can be used to recruit and select, manage, evaluate and develop people for the roles arrived at through the organisation design process. It also can be used in compensation management and succession planning.
Typically, the process requires specification determination, which results in firming up the attributes and competencies required for each role in the organisation. A preliminary project plan is developed and appropriate activities and communication plans are established to support the development of the maps. Employees are given the opportunity to review the maps to ensure they meet current and future needs. Competencies and attributes are evaluated to assess how accurately they describe performance requirements, and to ensure they are aligned with the strategic business objectives.
A critical requirement for any business, team and individual is mapping the competencies required to meet objectives at all three levels - business, team and self. Only by doing this can needs be identified in the areas of recruitment, career planning and training.
Competency mapping also helps in identifying needs for training, and in delivering that training to the individuals who need it. The key process is the development of a gap analysis - in simple terms, the difference between the required competency level and an individual's present level.
So, Competency Mapping is important for an organisation and becomes a base for creating a performance-based culture, increasing the accuracy in selection, placements & in talent maximisation.
Competency Mapping: For Whom
It is best used by trainers, change agents and managers who are involved, or likely to be involved, in identifying and using competencies as part of 360° feedback, appraisals and performance management systems.
Identifying competencies is the basis for HR planning. It provides the framework for individual [next page]