Description of Competency Models and Key Differences Between Competency
Models and Job Analysis
1. Executives typically pay more attention to competency modeling.
2. Competency models often attempt to distinguish top performers from average
performers.
3. Competency models frequently include descriptions of how the competencies
change or progress with employee level.
4. Competency models are usually directly linked to business objectives and strategies.
5. Competency models are typically developed top down (start with executives) rather
than bottom up (start with line employees).
6. Competency models may consider future job requirements either directly or
indirectly.
7. Competency models may be presented in a manner that facilitates ease of use (e.g.,
organization-specific language, pictures, or schematics that facilitate
memorableness).
8. Usually, a finite number of competencies are identified and applied across multiple
functions or job families.
9. Competency models are frequently used actively to align the HR systems.
10. Competency models are often an organizational development intervention that seeks
broad organizational change as opposed to a simple data collection effort.