Core Competencies: Is There an Ideal Number for Effective Models?

Dear Members,

Some companies use a maximum of 10 core competencies, whereas some companies use 20. Do you know if there's any research done to determine the recommended number of core competencies that should be focused on in order for the model to be effective? Thank you.

Hi,

Though I do not have the references, I have read on numerous occasions that core competency should not exceed 10 at any given time. In fact, too many competencies create a cluster that becomes difficult to measure. As a result of having too many competencies, every employee will have a certain level of proficiency in some or the other. So, the purpose of having core competency gets diluted.

In fact, you should check the book on competency by "Spencer and Spencer"; it's the father of all competency books. I guess I have answered your query to an extent.

Hi,

Though I do not have the references, I have read on numerous occasions that core competency should not at any given time exceed 10. In fact, too many competencies create a cluster that becomes difficult to measure, and as a result of having too many competencies, every employee will have a certain level of proficiency in some or the other. So the purpose of having core competency gets diluted.

In fact, you should check the book on competency by "Spencer and Spencer"; it's the father of all competency books. I guess I have answered your query to an extent.

Thanks for your reply. I share the same view with you too. However, I do need some research data to back this view so that it can be more convincing when I present it to my management team.