Abstract
Globalization and rapid technological change is a reality for companies today. It has changed the manner in which business has been routinely conducted and has brought into focus delivery of results in real time. Newer forms of organizational structures have emerged that are flatter with fewer hierarchical levels. Career paths are no longer linear and unbroken but are spiralling and lateral in nature. The traditional employment contract between employees and organization has altered. While earlier it was normal to assume a life time of security in exchange for doing a good job, now employees are increasingly looking for opportunities for professional development that will enhance their future employability.
All these changes have had implications for HR departments and performance appraisal in the new business context. Instead of evaluating primarily on the basis of quantitative results and on what is achieved, the focus is shifting to how it is achieved as an indication of an employee's ability to keep performing well in the future. It has made ‘competencies’ the new mantra for the HR departments aiming to effect change within organizations.
Based on a sample data of over 250 executives in one of India's largest vehicle manufacturing companies, this paper reviews the concept of competency, how it is assessed, and brings out the need for assessing technical competency. The final model that emerges from the study goes beyond managerial competencies — a model of techno-managerial competency that may be better suited to emerging jobs in a more technology-driven future.
This model consists of four factors:
technical skills comprising of knowledge fundamentals, engineering drawing appreciation, manufacturability appreciation, materials choice appreciation, knowledge of emerging trends, etc. group problem-solving skills comprising of problem analysis, creativity and originality, technical leadership ability, communication ability, people management skills, etc. managerial skills comprising of perseverance, quest for learning, business understanding, visualization, attention to detail, etc. aptitude comprising of analytical ability, creativity, risk-taking orientation, etc.