What are competencies? 
Competencies are those measurable or observable knowledge, skills, abilities and other behaviors critical to success in a key job role or function. 

Competencies encompass the more familiar “KSAs” (knowledge, skills and abilities), but are more powerful in that they emphasize a person’s ability to produce an expected outcome. A competency is often a set of related KSAs that work together to produce key outcomes. In other words, excellent performance often cannot be understood only in terms of isolated knowledge, skills, or abilities.  Rather, it results from a combination of these attributes working together. The use of competencies allows us to take a more holistic view of performance.

What is a an integrated competency-based HR system? 
An integrated competency-based HR system uses a common vocabulary of competencies across HR processes to help provide clarity to managers, employees, and job candidates regarding the skills, traits, etc. that are most important. Competencies identified for success – for a particular position, a group of like positions, or perhaps for an entire organization – are attached to positions and follow them through the HR system and processes. Competencies are used in recruiting, assessment and selection, development, performance management, rewards and compensation, and succession planning. Learn more about how competencies are integrated in each of these HR processes.

What are the benefits of using competencies? 
By providing a more holistic view of all the important attributes for success in a job, a competency approach will improve the understanding of what it really takes to perform well. Using competencies can create a foundation for high-performance HR management programs to attract, develop and retain the talent needed to succeed.

Illustration of competency integration