COMPETENCE AND COMPETENCY IN HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS FOR ORGANIZATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY

This paper explores the distinction between competence and competency as critical dimensions of employee performance in modern organisations. While competence reflects an employee’s general ability to perform assigned tasks, competency highlights the specific skills, behaviours, and attributes such as adaptability, customer orientation, and problem-solving that drive long-term organisational success. Drawing on insights from human resource management, the study argues that competency-based recruitment, training, and development provide a stronger foundation for innovation, organisational citizenship, and sustainability. It concludes that organisations seeking resilience and growth must prioritise competencies over mere competence in their HR practices.