Learning in the workplace - an instrument for competence assessment

Authors: Lantz A.; Friedrich P.

Source: The Learning Organization: An International Journal, Volume 10, Number 3, 2003 , pp. 185-194(10)

Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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Abstract:

The presented instrument for competence assessment is used in an attempt to make a systematic assessment of what and how much has been learned by an individual employee at a certain point of time in his/her career within an enterprise. Competencies in different work areas are treated: handling functional work tasks, managing disturbances, prioritising, co-operating, organising, and achieving quality and environmental targets. All competencies are assessed on a scale measuring level of competence as cognitive complexity. Application of the instrument involves conducting a structured interview where the means-goal relationship in different work activities is investigated in detail. A quantitative analysis of level of competence in each work area, ranging from behavioural routines to the extent to which an individual contributes to developing and changing his/her task, is then performed. The results of two different tests of inter-rater reliability and six tests of validity (content, face and criterion validity) are presented. It is concluded that the instrument is adequately valid and reliable.

Keywords: Competences; Assessment; Lifelong Learning; Enterprise Economics; Workplace Learning; Methodology

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/09696470310472499

Publication date: 2003-03-01