SHL Unveils Universal Competency Framework To Provide Common Standard Worldwide
Competencies are sets of behaviours which define how people use their knowledge and skills in different situations at work. The SHL Universal Competency Framework establishes a standard classification for competencies required to succeed in any job, at any level in any organization.
Many organizations already appreciate the benefits of well-defined competency models and their role in assisting HR departments in managing people at every stage of the employee lifecycle. However, until now there has not been a consistent framework to manage, use and compare these competencies. Based on extensive scientific research looking at hundreds of competency models in a wide range of different organisations around the world, the SHL Universal Competency Framework gives the HR community a standard terminology that will greatly benefit them in identifying and developing the competencies their organisations require.
The new framework provides a hierarchy that allows users to see the relationships between competencies required in roles throughout the organisation and to match team as well as individual role competencies.
At the top of the hierarchy are the SHL Great Eight competency factors. These provide the broad outlines of all roles and are a general categorisation of behaviours that influence job performance. They are Leading and Deciding; Supporting and Co-operating; Interacting and Presenting; Analysing and Interpreting; Creating and Conceptualising; Organising and Executing; Adapting and Coping; Enterprising and Performing.
Beneath these are 20 dimensions which provide more detail to the Great Eight allowing person and job profiles to be created and compared. At the base of the Framework are the 112 Components which allow consultants to precisely define the critical behaviours that impact performance in a specific job, role or function and which can be used as building blocks for the construction of tailored competency models.
Professor Dave Bartram, who leads the team that developed the SHL Universal Competency Framework, commented; "HR departments worldwide are using the concept of competencies to match individuals to jobs, and to design development interventions for incumbents. However, the vast majority are using definitions developed in house for a specific purpose. This can make it very difficult to benchmark roles, individuals or processes. It is my hope that, as a result of our extensive global research, the SHL Universal Competency Framework will be adopted as a common language that links and defines the best practice around the world."
SHL's "Great Eight" Competencies
- Leading and Deciding
Takes control and exercises leadership. Initiates action, gives direction and takes responsibility. - Supporting and Co-operating
Supports others and show respect and positive regard for the in social situations. Puts people first, working effectively with individuals and teams, clients and staff. Behaves consistently with clear personal values that complement those of the organisation. - Interacting and Presenting
Communicates and networks effectively. Successfully persuades and influences others. Relates to others in a confident and relaxed manner. - Analysing and Interpreting
Shows evidence of clear analytical thinking. Gets to the heart of complex problems and issues. Applies own expertise effectively. Quickly learns new technology. Communicates well in writing. - Creating and Conceptualising
Open to new ideas and experiences. Seeks out learning opportunities. Handles situations and problems with innovation and creativity. Thinks broadly and strategically. Supports and drives organisational change. - Organising and Executing
Plans ahead and works in a systematic and organised way. Follows directions and procedures. Focuses on customer satisfaction and delivers a quality service or product to the agreed standards. - Adapting and Coping
Adapts and responds well to change. Manages pressure effectively and copes with setbacks. - Enterprising and Performing
Focuses on results and achieving personal work objectives. Works best when work is related closely to results and the impact of personal efforts is obvious. Shows an understanding of business, commerce and finance, Seeks opportunities for self-development and career advancement.
Further details on the development and use of the SHL Universal Competency Framework can be found at www.shl.com, where there are also online and offline tools available to assist in its implementation.
About SHL Group PLC
SHL is the world-leading provider of psychometric assessment and development solutions. The company supports organisations in the selection, recruitment, promotion, succession planning and development of talented people at all levels and across all sectors. Operating in 40 countries and more than 30 languages, the SHL Group devises innovative approaches to help organisations increase productivity and gain competitive advantage through the more effective use of their human capital. SHL has over 5,500 organisations as clients, including many of the Global and Times Top 1000, and is recognised as the foremost provider of objective assessment products in the world. For more information please visit www.shl.com.
Source: SHL Group PLC