Kompetencia

Kompetencia is a term used to describe the capacity to perform a task or fulfill a role, and, in many contexts, the legal authority or jurisdiction held by an entity. The word has cognates in several languages, such as kompetencja in Polish, competência or competência in Portuguese, and Kompetenz in German. In English, competence or competency denotes the combination of knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes that enable effective performance.

In psychology and human resources, competence is often organized into frameworks or models that break down performance into components such as knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors. These frameworks are used in education, recruitment, and performance appraisal to assess current capabilities and identify development needs. Organizational competence extends beyond individuals to encompass the collective ability of a company to acquire, integrate, and apply resources, processes, and routines to achieve strategic goals. This broader view links to concepts like capability and competitive advantage, and it emphasizes culture, leadership, and coordination across teams.

In law and public administration, competence denotes jurisdiction or the power to act within a certain domain. This includes the authority of courts to adjudicate specific cases, ministries to regulate sectors, or agencies to enforce rules. The precise scope of competence varies by legal system but generally concerns limits on authority and decision-making power.

Assessment and development of competence typically involve education, training, work experience, and reflective practice. Professional bodies often publish competency standards and accreditation criteria to certify practitioners and guide ongoing professional growth. See also: capability, qualification, authority.