Concepts of competence

Abstract

An analysis of everyday use of the term ‘competence' is followed by a literature review. Some authors treat competence as a socially situated concept—the ability to perform tasks and roles to the expected standard—leaving its precise meaning to be negotiated by stakeholders in a macro-or micro-political context. Others treat competence as individually situated, a personal capability or characteristic. This latter concept is labelled ‘capability' and its vital relationship with socially-defined Competence is analysed. The importance for practice of representations of competence and for professional preparation of models of capability is discussed.