A competency framework for contractual workers of manufacturing sector

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a competency dictionary and model for contractual workers of the steel manufacturing sector of India. Design/methodology/approach In-depth interviews with 30 supervisors and behavioral events interviews (BEIs) with 40 contractual workers were conducted to identify and validate the competencies of the contractual workers. Findings The competencies identified are arranged according to the similarity and dissimilarity between it under three broad categories of competencies, i.e., knowledge, skills and attitudes. These categories are used to develop a competency dictionary which has behavioral indicators, and a framework that can be used to map and evaluate the competencies. Practical implications The competency dictionary and the framework developed in the present study will assist human resource practitioners in implementing competency-based human resource processes such as recruitment and selection, training and development and performance management for the contractual workers in the manufacturing sector. Originality/value The present study is among the few empirical studies that provide a competency dictionary and a framework of contractual workers in the manufacturing sector of India.