Traditional knowledge and its acquisition, development and application are considered by both scientists and managers, albeit from different points of view. Knowledge is a key value and a focal point for all types of activity, according to the terms of "KM" - a competency model.
An alternative and useful approach is proposed, in which the achievement of the desired result through the intelligent application of knowledge is carried out by simple collection, development, storage, use and possession of concepts and facts. In a broad sense, this is called competence, which in a systems approach includes much more than just knowledge.
The European Guidelines for Good Practice in Knowledge Management (Euro 2003 Guidelines) defines competence as a competent combination of knowledge, experience and motivational factors that enable a person to successfully complete tasks. In this context, competence is the ability to perform tasks correctly, efficiently, in accordance with high quality, in different conditions, to satisfy the end customer. This requires a lot more talent and ability than the successful application of knowledge. Therefore, a competent person is much more than a knowledgeable worker. Competence can also be attributed to a group or team when an assignment is performed by more than one person due to its interdisciplinary nature, complexity and scale.
A competent person or group provides a number of required qualities and abilities, namely:
1. Empirical and scientific knowledge, as well as their combination;
2. Experience of application (knowing what works) in different situations;
3. Incentive and motivation to achieve goals and strive for improvement / excellence.
4. Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and requirements by creating new know-how;
5. Ability to perform required tasks efficiently and minimize wastage of physical and virtual resources.
6. The ability to feel what the client wants and consistently deliver it in high quality for his satisfaction.
The right combination of these abilities makes a person or a group of people (a team) competent in the sense that they will consistently achieve the desired results, effectively, every day, or more often than not meet or exceed the expectations of customers in various circumstances. Such groups of people will be recognized for their mastery of this discipline and will be considered not only a source of relevant knowledge.
In this sense, competence is the ability to create success, satisfaction, value and high quality by applying knowledge. This confirms our axiom that competence is more than just knowledge.
