Competence Standards
Competence is defined as “the ability to do something successfully or efficiently” and within the world of architecture, is most often used to describe the ability a professional has to perform their job and to what standard. The government itself freely admits that “There is no hard-and-fast definition of what competence is” and that competence standards can vary between each industry authority or company. It is not only the combination of training, skills, experience and knowledge in an area but also factors such as the individual’s attitude or health.
Usually, people evaluate a professional’s competence by looking at the training and qualifications that they have, not only in the relevant area. For example, an architect’s competence would be based on their degree and any other education that they have, as well as any relevant training they have undergone. It might even be something as basic as first aider training, which although not complex or time consuming, could make an individual able to fill a job position more successfully.
Particular skills such as drawing or computer literacy are examples of easily demonstrable skills that show competency, particularly by showing evidence of past work using them, and it goes without saying that someone who is skilled in relevant areas would be able to more efficiently fill a role than without. Competence can also be based on skills which are less easy to list on a CV, such as strengths in areas like time management or social skills. If a project requires someone who can communicate effectively in meetings, or convince investors about a design, a person’s competence for a position would be heavily effected by their personality.
When looking for a competent professional, an employer would look for someone with experience and success in areas and previous projects which show that they are well suited for a position. If an architect has only previously designed commercial buildings, or has little experience at all despite being highly qualified, they might be a less competent choice than others if the project was a residential building.
In a similar vein, a person with an extensive knowledge of relevant subjects such as building regulations or planning permission applications would be more competent than someone without. This is the reason why consultancy firms exist, where companies will pay for the advice and input of other professionals with a greater knowledge of certain subjects. A good architecture related example would be a planning consultant, a professional with in-depth and expert knowledge of planning permission, who can advise on the most effective way of getting an approval passed.
A business professional who has contacts in useful places could be deemed as more competent than someone who was more skilled but had fewer connections, particularly if the role required sourcing materials or making deals.
Lastly, physical or mental health can directly affect how well someone can do their job and therefore, their competency the same way that their attitude can. If an architect has the imagination and drawing skills to create a fantastic design, but was not motivated enough or was ill for whatever reason, they would be less competent than a hardworking and driven individual who was in peak physical condition and unaffected by illness. Again, a very difficult aspect to gleam from comparison on paper, particularly on CVs, but is very important.
Bibliography:
Government health and safety competence information - http://www.hse.gov.uk/competence/what-is-competence.htm - (Accessed last on 6th February)
Skill switch image - http://combiboilersleeds.com/image.php?pic=/images/competence/competence-7.jpg - (Accessed last on 6th February)
