There are many competencies that have been identified over the years, and these are divided into six types. Below are the basic definitions and examples of each Competency.

The Six Types of Competencies

1. Individual Competency– This type refers to a person’s own knowledge, skills, and attitudes (behavior) that contribute to effectiveness in performance, as well as in dealings with other people.
2. Business Competency– This refers to the knowledge and skills required in a particular business or industry.
3. Management Competency– This refers to a set of competencies that are applicable only to supervisory and managerial positions or roles, that are more commonly task-oriented.
4. Leadership Competency– This refers to the required competencies for leadership roles such as that of a team leader. These competencies make an individual effective in their position as leader of a group.
5. Functional Competencies– This type of competency is specific to a certain job. For example, a computer programmer must be knowledgeable and skilled when it comes to various programming languages such as Java, Python, and C++.
6. Core Competencies– This refers to general competencies specific to an organization. It is the way the organization and its members work.

Examples of the Six Types of Competencies

As mentioned, there are six types of competencies. An individual can acquire more than just one type of competency, because all these types can be utilized independently, or altogether. Furthermore, some competencies that belong to one type may also be classified in another type. Below is a list of the common examples for each type.

Individual Competencies

• Problem Solving– Formulates accurate and well-informed answers and solutions to issues and problems presented. 

• Decision Making– Makes sound decisions quickly even when faced with tough situations.
   
• Communication– Relays and receives a message effectively such as in business meetings, presentations, and even in day to day communication with other people in the workplace.
   
• Humor– Makes light of the situation, makes others laugh, and puts them at ease.
   
• Efficiency– Gets the job done as quickly as possible, without compromising the quality of output.
   
• Commitment– Shows initiative with a drive to keep moving forward; finds opportunities in every situation.

Business Competencies

• Customer Service– Shows attributes and abilities needed to deal with customers satisfactorily.
   
• Job Ethics– Maintains professionalism and integrity in the organization.
   
• Accountability– Takes ownership and responsibility for the tasks assigned.
   
• Communication– Sends message across effectively as well as understands instructions and information provided.

Management Competencies

• Judgment– Thinks and makes decisions based on perception, experience, wisdom, knowledge, and analysis.
   
• Relationship Building– Interacts with others with respect and cooperation, and in a way that is mutually beneficial to both parties.
   
• Results Orientation– Determines the best possible means to achieve a solution or outcome.
   
• Stress Tolerance– Handles stress and difficult situations calmly and professionally; and helps others to deal with it in the same manner.
   
• Verbal Communication– Verbally expresses ideas and information to others effectively.

Leadership Competencies

• Influence– Inspires others to bring out the best in themselves and to trust in the leader’s ideas, decisions, and recommendations.
   
• Resourcefulness– Shows creativity, takes initiative, and finds solutions.
   
• Results Orientation– Focuses on results and finds ways to achieve it.
   
• Commitment– Maintains enthusiasm and drive, not just in self, but also in others.

Functional Competencies

• Reporting– Communicates to others the scope of work, outcomes, and recommendations of a given task.
   
• Data Analysis– Interprets data accurately and is able to come up with methodologies, hypothesis, and recommendations to address the findings.
   
• Technology– Utilizes various technology tools necessary for a certain job.

Core Competencies

• Excellent Customer Service– Meets and exceeds customers’ expectations.
   
• Expertise in Electronic Technology– Has a high level of proficiency in the technology of specific electronic products.
   
• Superior Market Distribution Skills– Utilizes distribution channels effectively and efficiently in order to market a product or service.

Key Competencies

These are competencies that are considered most important and instrumental in achieving a person’s or organization’s objectives. Key competencies vary, and are defined not based on the personal attributes or cognitive abilities that are considered desirable, but rather, by giving careful assessment of the needs and prerequisites of a company or organization. To know what these are, it is necessary to first fully understand goals and objectives of a specific company or organization.