Competencies Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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competencies
[ˈkɒmpɪtənsiz ]
Definition
workplace skills
Competencies refer to the skills, knowledge, and abilities that an individual possesses and that are necessary for successful performance in a specific job or role. Competencies can include both hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (interpersonal skills). These are often used as criteria for hiring, promotion, and performance evaluation.
Synonyms
capabilities, qualifications, skills.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| competencies |
Often used in professional and academic environments to refer to a set of skills and abilities required to perform specific tasks effectively. It's a broader term that may encompass knowledge, skills, and attitudes.
|
| skills |
Refers to the specific abilities or expertise that an individual has developed through training or experience. This term is often used in everyday conversation and job descriptions.
|
| capabilities |
Refers to the potential or abilities an individual or organization has to perform certain actions or tasks, often used in a strategic or technical context.
|
| qualifications |
Typically used in the context of education and careers to denote the credentials or certifications someone has achieved, proving they have the necessary background to perform a job.
|
Examples of usage
- Her competencies in project management and leadership were key factors in her promotion.
- Employers look for candidates who demonstrate competencies in problem-solving and teamwork.
- Training programs are designed to help employees develop competencies required for their roles.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Education
- Educational institutions often use specific competencies to shape curricula, guiding what students should learn to be proficient.
- Competency-based education focuses on students demonstrating specific skills and knowledge rather than just completing tasks.
Workplace
- Many employers define required competencies for jobs to help assess candidates and employees' performance.
- Common competencies in the workplace include communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
Psychology
- Competencies are often associated with emotional intelligence, which emphasizes understanding oneself and others in social environments.
- The development of competencies can boost self-esteem and motivation by providing clear goals to work towards.
Pop Culture
- Many popular films showcase characters developing competencies, such as training sequences in superhero movies where characters hone their special abilities.
- Reality TV shows often highlight contestants building new competencies in areas like cooking, fashion, or survival to win challenges.
Origin of 'competencies'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'competentia,' meaning 'a meeting together,' originally referring to the ability to meet particular requirements.
- In the English language, 'competency' began to be used in the 15th century, initially linked to legal and official contexts.
The term 'competencies' originated from the Latin word 'competentia', meaning 'meeting the requirements' or 'sufficiency'. The concept of competencies gained prominence in the business world in the late 20th century as organizations sought to identify and develop the specific skills and attributes needed for success in various roles. Today, competencies are widely used in recruitment, training, and performance management processes.