What is Competency Mapping and How Can It Help?
A relatively recent development in job analysis involves mapping or modeling competencies of job positions and job incumbents. Competencies are defined as characteristics required of the incumbent to successfully fulfill assigned responsibilities of the position. Competency statements include descriptions of behavior (tasks performed), mastery of subject and task knowledge associated with the behavior, skill in any cognitive or psychomotor activity required, a degree of affective involvement in the outcome of the tasks (such as valuing quality, timeliness, or customer satisfaction), and demonstrated experience in successfully performing the tasks within the competency. Competency statements may also include some measure of licensure or certification by a professional or regulatory agency external to the organization. Viewing jobs in terms of competencies takes into account not only the individual, but also, the context within which the individual must perform successfully. While a comp
