Publications

Zarifian, P.
The competency-based training model and its effects on traditional work and trades

Montevideo: Cinterfor, 1999
46p. (Technical office papers, 8) 

 

(Full text only available in Spanish pdf format)

 

 There have been many approaches and approximations to the concept of "occupational competency". In recent years, studies and analyses of the competencies at play in the successful performance of a job have proliferated. The reason for this lies in the rapid and deep transformations experienced by entrepreneurial structures in the region in the last two decades, together with readjustment policies and a greater exposure of local economies to the rest of the world. The actors in training, production and employment have become increasingly involved in improving competitiveness and all aspects of labour and human talent.

A general analysis has started of occupational competencies from different angles, according to the agents concerned. From the viewpoint of training institutions, in order to improve the quality and relevance of their curricula and programmes. From the angle of Ministries of Labour, to raise the level of training systems and give transparency to labour markets. From the standpoint of employers, to optimise characteristics favouring the successful performance of their workers, by pinpointing key competencies. And trade unions have also embraced the competencies approach, considering that training is becoming part of collective bargaining and often using it for that purpose.

Two papers by Professor Phillipe Zarifian are presented who, from a sociological perspective, adds some interesting new elements for analysing occupational competencies. The first one is on the mutation of productive systems and skills, in which he elaborates on the notion of "service industrial production". After emphasising the growing convergence of the industrial world (production) with that of services (customers’ needs), he makes the distinction between the concepts of service competency and social competency.

 

 

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