Competence at Work: Models for Superior Performance (Hardcover)

by Signe M. Spencer (Author), Lyle M. Spencer (Author) "A competency is an underlying characteristic of an individual that is causally related to criterion-referenced effective and/or superior performance in a job or situation..." (more)
Key Phrases: generic competency models, competency dictionary, managerial cluster, New York, Competency-Based Applications, Journal of Applied Psychology (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Provides analysis of 650 jobs, based on 20 years of research using the McClelland/McBer job competence assessment (JCA) methodology. Includes generic job models for entrepreneurs, technical professionals, salespeople, service workers and corporate managers. Defines JCA and describes in detail how to conduct JCA studies. Suggests future directions and uses for competency research.

From the Publisher
Provides analysis of 650 jobs, based on 20 years of research using the McClelland/McBer job competence assessment (JCA) methodology. Includes generic job models for entrepreneurs, technical professionals, salespeople, service workers and corporate managers. Defines JCA and describes in detail how to conduct JCA studies. Suggests future directions and uses for competency research.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (March 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 047154809X
• ISBN-13: 978-0471548096
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #132,522 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book changed how I do my job as a trainer., September 29, 1998

By A Customer

This book gives a comprehensive competency dictionary using behaviorally anchored rating scales for each competency. It also gives step by step guidelines on how to use the dictionary in all types of HR decision making. It is clearly written and is based on years of extensive research. Using this book eliminates the need to use expensive and dependency creating consulting services. Every HR professional should have it on their shelf. Moreover, as a training professional, if I had to choose 2 books to have on my bookshelf, I would choose this book and Performance Consulting by Dana Gaines Robinson.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Useful resource for performance technolgists, September 1, 1998

By A Customer

This book provides detailed information on a number of useful techniques for developing competency models for human job performance. These models can then be used, in turn, as a basis for personnel assessmen, training and career pathing. The book also contains a number of pre-established and well-researched generic job models which can be adapted and used as a basis for further competency development.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Essential Primer on Competence, August 4, 2000

By	Robert McAvoy (Burleson, TX USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Lyle Spencer has written a book that is lucid, well-organized, and a concise reference on human competence. If this was history, you would know that he had been there and had not merely interviewed those who were. This is so because his work is informed by original research. Spencer begins the presentation within a framework of competence that is criterion-referenced. The competence dictionary is organized around competency clusters that are well-defined and behaviorally anchored. But theory is not left to wrestle with the reader's experience. Spencer provides the practioner with a guide that takes the user through all steps in the conduct of a competency study. Spencer closes with a set of generic competency models that the practioner can tailor to his or her client before drawing the reader's attention to the variety of applications that study data may serve. Though a bit pricey, you can purchase it with the knowledge that it will stand up well as your single source of reference.