The competency approach to human resource management is based on identifying, defining and measuring individual differences in terms of specific work-related constructs, especially the abilities that are critical to successful job performance. The concept of competency lies at the heart of human resource management, providing a basis for integrating key HR activities such as selection and assessment, performance management, training, development and reward management, thus developing a coherent approach to the management of people in organisations (Lucia and Lepsinger, 1999).