Best Practices in Competency Modeling
Analyzing Competency Information (Identifying Competencies)
1. Considering organizational context
2. Linking competency models to organizational goals and objectives
3. Start at the top
4. Using rigorous job analysis methods to develop competencies
5. Considering future-oriented job requirements
6. Using additional unique methods
Organizing and Presenting Competency Information
7. Defining the anatomy of a competency (the language of competencies)
8. Defining levels of proficiency on competencies
9. Using organizational language
10. Including both fundamental (cross-job) and technical (job-specific)
competencies
11. Using competency libraries
12. Achieving the proper level of granularity (number of competencies and
amount of detail)
13. Using diagrams, pictures, and heuristics to communicate competency models
to employees
Using Competency Information
14. Using organizational development techniques to ensure competency modeling
acceptance and use
15. Using competencies to develop HRs systems (hiring, appraisal, promotion,
compensation)
16. Using competencies to align the HR systems
17. Using competencies to develop a practical “theory” of effective job
performance tailored to the organization
18. Using information technology to enhance the usability of competency models
19. Maintaining the currency of competencies over time
20. Using competency modeling for legal defensibility (e.g., test validation)