The foundational work you are looking for is titled " Competence at Work: Models for Superior Performance
" (1993) by Lyle M. Spencer and Signe M. Spencer. While often referred to as a "dictionary," the full text is a comprehensive book that establishes the methodology for identifying and measuring job competencies. Key Papers and Resources
If you are looking for research papers that utilize or analyze the Spencer and Spencer framework, these are highly relevant:
The Design of Spencer Generic Competency as a Research Method
: This paper details how the competency dictionary is used as a research tool to identify fundamental characteristics that affect individual thinking and performance.
Whether B-Schools Care Spencer & Spencer's Workplace Competency Framework
: A more recent 2020 study that revalidates the reliability of the Spencer framework for 21st-century managerial positions. How Competencies Create Economic Value
: Written by Lyle M. Spencer himself, this chapter explains the empirical methods for developing models that meet legal reliability and validity criteria.
A Critical Review of the Literature and Practice of Competency Modeling
: Provides an academic critique of generic competency dictionaries and cites the original 1993 Spencer work extensively. Core Concepts of the Spencer Dictionary
The dictionary defines 24 generic competencies that typically account for 80-95% of the features distinguishing superior performers. Key components often cited in these papers include: Spencer And Spencer Competency Dictionary Pdf
The Spencer and Spencer Competency Dictionary, originally introduced in the 1993 book Competence at Work, is a foundational human resources framework used to identify characteristics that differentiate "superior" performers from "average" ones. It defines a competency as an underlying characteristic of an individual—such as a motive, trait, skill, or aspect of self-image—that is causally related to effective or superior job performance. Core Conceptual Model: The Iceberg
Spencer and Spencer use the Iceberg Model to visualize how different competencies reside within a person:
Visible (Above the Waterline): These are easily observable and measurable "threshold" competencies, such as Knowledge (information about a field) and Skills (the ability to perform specific tasks).
Hidden (Below the Waterline): These "differentiating" competencies are harder to see but often drive superior performance. They include: Self-Concept: A person's attitudes, values, or self-image.
Traits: Physical and psychological characteristics, like emotional self-control.
Motives: Deeply held desires or thought patterns that drive behavior toward certain goals. The Competency Clusters
The dictionary organizes 20 generic competencies into six primary clusters to help organizations categorize various professional behaviors:
The Spencer and Spencer Competency Dictionary, originally detailed in the 1993 book Competence at Work, remains one of the most influential frameworks in modern Human Resource management. Developed by Dr. Lyle M. Spencer and Signe M. Spencer, this framework identifies the "underlying characteristics" of individuals that lead to superior performance in various roles. The Core Philosophy: The Iceberg Model
The foundation of the Spencer and Spencer dictionary is the Iceberg Model. This model visualises competencies in two distinct layers:
Introduction
The Spencer and Spencer Competency Dictionary is a widely used reference tool in the field of human resources, organizational development, and talent management. Developed by Dr. Richard Spencer and his team, this dictionary provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and defining competencies in the workplace.
What is a Competency Dictionary?
A competency dictionary is a collection of behavioral definitions that describe the knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors required for an individual to perform a specific job or role effectively. It provides a standardized language and framework for identifying, assessing, and developing competencies in employees.
Spencer and Spencer Competency Dictionary
The Spencer and Spencer Competency Dictionary is a research-based framework that identifies 40 key competencies that are essential for job performance. These competencies are organized into five broad categories:
40 Competencies in the Spencer and Spencer Dictionary
Here are the 40 competencies included in the Spencer and Spencer Competency Dictionary:
Achieving Results (10 competencies)
Interpersonal Skills (8 competencies)
Personal Qualities (6 competencies)
Strategic Thinking (6 competencies)
Leading and Managing (10 competencies)
Benefits of Using the Spencer and Spencer Competency Dictionary
The Spencer and Spencer Competency Dictionary provides a number of benefits, including:
Conclusion
The Spencer and Spencer Competency Dictionary is a valuable resource for organizations seeking to improve job performance, talent management, and decision making. By understanding the 40 competencies included in the dictionary, organizations can develop a more effective and efficient approach to talent management and development.
You can download the Spencer and Spencer Competency Dictionary PDF from various online sources, including the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) or other HR-related websites.
The Spencer and Spencer model organizes 20+ core competencies into six clusters, each linked to specific job families:
| Cluster | Core Competencies | Best Suited For | |---------|-------------------|------------------| | Achievement & Action | Achievement Orientation, Concern for Order, Quality, Accuracy, Initiative, Information Seeking | Sales, entrepreneurs, project managers | | Helping & Human Service | Interpersonal Understanding, Customer Service Orientation | Healthcare, social work, support roles | | Impact & Influence | Impact & Influence, Organizational Awareness, Relationship Building | Leadership, marketing, negotiation | | Managerial | Developing Others, Directiveness, Teamwork & Cooperation, Team Leadership | Supervisors, executives, HR | | Cognitive | Analytical Thinking, Conceptual Thinking, Technical/Professional Expertise | Engineers, analysts, strategists | | Personal Effectiveness | Self-Control, Self-Confidence, Flexibility, Organizational Commitment | All roles, especially high-stress positions |