Competency Dictionary Pdf | Spencer And Spencer

The Spencer and Spencer Competency Dictionary, originally introduced in the 1993 book Competence at Work, is a foundational human resources framework used to identify characteristics that differentiate "superior" performers from "average" ones. It defines a competency as an underlying characteristic of an individual—such as a motive, trait, skill, or aspect of self-image—that is causally related to effective or superior job performance. Core Conceptual Model: The Iceberg

The Iceberg Model: The Foundation of Their Work

To understand the dictionary, you must first understand the "Iceberg Model" (or the "Competency Model"). Spencer and Spencer divided competencies into two categories: Spencer And Spencer Competency Dictionary Pdf

For HR professionals, the dictionary is a "gold standard" because it provides observable behaviors The Spencer and Spencer Competency Dictionary , originally

Threshold: Essential skills required for minimally acceptable performance. For further reading: Spencer, L

1. Visible Competencies (Above the Waterline): Skills and knowledge. These are easy to see, teach, and test.
2. Hidden Competencies (Below the Waterline): Self-concept, traits, and motives. These are harder to assess but are the true drivers of superior performance.

For further reading: Spencer, L. M., & Spencer, S. M. (1993). Competence at Work: Models for Superior Performance. John Wiley & Sons.

Centers on organizational awareness, networking, and the ability to influence others. Managerial: