Which term describes the skills or qualities an individual needs to perform their job effectively?

The term that describes the skills or qualities an individual needs to perform their job effectively is competency. Competency encompasses not just the ability to perform tasks, but also the underlying knowledge, skills, behaviors, and attitudes that contribute to successful job performance. It integrates both what a person can do (skills) and how well they do it, often in specific contexts like a workplace.

Competencies are critical in various areas including recruitment, training, and performance management because they provide a framework for understanding what an employee needs to be successful in their role. This concept helps organizations establish standards for employee performance and aligns individual performance with organizational goals.

The other terms present different meanings. Capability refers more broadly to the potential or ability of an organization or individual to achieve a specific goal. Capacity typically relates to the maximum amount that something can contain or produce, which does not directly reflect individual job performance skills. Outcome focuses on the result of an action or activity rather than the skills or qualities required to achieve that result. Overall, competency is the most accurate term in the context of required job performance skills.