COMPETENCY MAPPING: A FRAMEWORK TO SUCCESS

Competency Frameworks are integral to any functioning organization. A competency framework is a framework that is inclusive of the knowledge, skills, attributes that are required of the people working within an organization. Competency frameworks can be generic for the smooth functioning of the organization or can be specifically formed for certain tasks or projects. Generally, a competency framework is followed by all the departments working within an organization.

Competency Framework foremost includes a defined set of traits and abilities for each role in the organization. Such a clear framework aids the organization in overlooking its staff and also helps the workers to understand the needs and wants of the organization; thus, a competency framework is a two-way functioning framework.

To design such an intricate and complex framework is not an easy task. Thorough research and strategy are required to form a framework that can be implemented in all the levels of the organization and that can be extended to all the individuals irrespective of their individual differences. If the purpose of the competency framework is well defined, then it is easier to design it and also easier for the employers in implementing a competency framework.

Implementing a competency framework is also a tricky task; the implementation of the framework must be very natural and should not come out as a burden or restriction. One of the ways for implementing a competency framework is to associate the individual competencies with the overall goals of the organization. This will create an informal link between the individual and the organization. A personal connection often leads to intrinsic motivation and improves performance.

The most common way of implementing a competency framework is to reward the desired competencies. Appreciation works as positive reinforcement and thus leads to a proper implementation of a competency framework. The framework should be simply defined, and an open communication channel should be formed to tackle any queries regarding the framework.

There are many ways that can be used for implementing a competency framework. The most basic way is to use the noticeboards and the mail of the employees to convey the framework. Many organizations conduct workshops and training sessions in order to verify the competencies of the individuals and further refine their talents.

There are many benefits to properly implementing a competency framework. Most of the advantages of implementing a competency framework are accrued by the Human Resources Department. A competency framework clearly provides them with the staffing requirements, changes needed in recruitment drives and aid in the selection process.

A competency framework can also help in formulating future training programs and up-skilling workshops. Thus, such frameworks are indeed a pathway to success and organizations must follow such pathways for their own growth and development.