An analysis of management of competencies at work: the case of supervisors of a coachwork- assembly factory

Abstract

This article analyse the theoretical perspectives and managerial practices focused on a competence based approach. We show that managerial uses of competencies increase the process of individualisation of industrial relations. At the same time, the omission of the social character of competencies may improve the non- intended consequences of the process of individualisation. It makes difficult to get the companies’ goal of attaining a salary equity situation. We present a case study where we have analysed different methodological difficulties related to the process of identify and evaluate competencies.  At the same time we propose some alternative definitions of competencies that may avoid the non- intended consequences of these kind of practices.