Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
SpringerLink
Log in

Tomorrow’s Digital Worker: A Critical Review and Agenda for Building Digital Competency Models

  • Conference paper
  • First Online:
Advances in Human Factors, Business Management and Leadership (AHFE 2020)

Part of the book series: Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing ((AISC,volume 1209))

Included in the following conference series:

Abstract

In competency management studies, scholars call for the importance of digital savviness to hire, train, and develop new digital workers. Yet, the knowledge about the development of such a competence is still scarce. For this endeavor, we followed a systematic literature review to identify a sample of 103 published scientific articles and book chapters dealing with the development and implementation of competency tools in the past 10 years. To our surprise, our review suggests that the landscape of competency tools is surprisingly obsolete and that contemporary requirements of digitization have not yet been incorporated into updated usable competency tools. Through this review our hope is to provide competency managers and researchers with a framework to advance and upgrade their competency tools to address the gap between existing know how and the needed expertise of the digital world.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 189.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 249.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Aishaa, A.N., Sudirmanb, I., Siswantoc, J., Andrianid, M.: A competency model for SMEs in the creative economy. Int. J. Bus. 24, 4 (2019)

    Google Scholar 

  2. Arafeh, L.: An entrepreneurial key competencies’ model. J. Innov. Entrepreneurship 5(1), 1–26 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13731-016-0048-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Asili, G.R., Hendi, S.S., Moallemi, S.A., Soofifard, R., Kamali, M.R., Shavvalpour, S., Vahabi, M.M.: Developing technical competency model to promote HRM in project-oriented organisations: a case for 3D petroleum system modelling in the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea. Int. J. Prod. Qual. Manag. 13(1), 1–18 (2014)

    Google Scholar 

  4. Bassellier, G., Reich, B.H., Benbasat, I.: Information technology competence of business managers: a definition and research model. J. Manag. Inf. Syst. 17(4), 159–182 (2001)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Bharwani, S., Talib, P.: Competencies of hotel general managers: a conceptual framework. Int. J. Contemp. Hosp. Manag. 29(1), 393–418 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCHM-09-2015-0448

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Boyatzis, R.E.: Competencies as a behavioral approach to emotional intelligence. J. Manag. Dev. 28(9), 749–770 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1108/02621710910987647

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Brown, L., George, B., Mehaffey-Kultgen, C.: The development of a competency model and its implementation in a power utility cooperative: an action research study. Ind. Commer. Train. 50(3), 123–135 (2018)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Busch, T.K.: Determining competencies for frontline sales managers in for-profit organizations. Adv. Dev. Hum. Resour. 15(3), 296–313 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Campion, M.A., Fink, A.A., Ruggeberg, B.J., Carr, L., Phillips, G.M., Odman, R.B.: Doing competencies well: best practices in competency modeling. Pers Psychol. 64(1), 225–262 (2011)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Clardy, A.: The strategic role of human resource development in managing core competencies. Hum. Resour. Dev. Int. 11(2), 183–197 (2008)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Fernández-Ronquillo, M.A., Llinàs Audet, F.J., Sabaté i Garriga, F.: Competency model for microentrepreneurs in depressed environments. Int. J. Manag. Enterp. Dev. 17(4), 363–387 (2018)

    Google Scholar 

  12. Ferrari, A.: Digital competence in practice: an analysis of frameworks (2012)

    Google Scholar 

  13. Garman, A., Scribner, L.: Leading for quality in healthcare: development and validation of a competency model. J. Healthcare Manag. 56(6), 373–384 (2011)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Goldman, E., Scott, A.R.: Competency models for assessing strategic thinking. J. Strategy Manag. 9(3), 258–280 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1108/JSMA-07-2015-0059.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Hatala, J.P., Hisey, L.: Toward the development and validation of a career coach competency model. Perform. Improv. Q. 24(3), 101–122 (2011)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Hu, M.L.M.: Developing a core competency model of innovative culinary development. Int. J. Hosp. Manag. 29(4), 582–590 (2010)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Ilomäki, L., Kantosalo, A., Lakkala, M.: What is digital competence. Linked portal. Brussels: European Schoolnet (EUN), pp. 1–12 (2011)

    Google Scholar 

  18. Jaafar, M., Nuruddin, A.R., Othman, N.L., Jalali, A.: Competency model for female project managers in the construction industry: a case study in Malaysia. Int. J. Project Organ. Manag. 8(2), 197–215 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Jordan, J., Cartwright, S.: Selecting expatriate managers: key traits and competencies. Leadersh. Organ. Dev. J. 19(2), 89–96 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1108/01437739810208665

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Koenigsfeld, J.P., Kim, S., Cha, J., Perdue, J., Cichy, R.F.: Developing a competency model for private club managers. Int. J. Hosp. Manag. 31(3), 633–641 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Krumm, S., Kanthak, J., Hartmann, K., Hertel, G.: What does it take to be a virtual team player? The knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics required in virtual teams. Hum. Perform. 29(2), 123–142 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Kwon, S., Wadholm, R.R., Carmody, L.E.: Assessing competencies: an evaluation of ASTD’s Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) designation. Eval. Program Plan. 44, 48–58 (2014)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Lambert, B., Plank, R.E., Reid, D.A., Fleming, D.: A competency model for entry level business-to-business services salespeople. Serv. Mark. Q. 35(1), 84–103 (2014)

    Google Scholar 

  24. Lee, J.G., Park, Y., Yang, G.H.: Driving performance improvements by integrating competencies with human resource practices. Perform. Improv. Q. 23(1), 71–90 (2010)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Lerch, C., Gotsch, M.: Digitalized product-service systems in manufacturing firms: a case study analysis. Res. Technol. Manag. 58(5), 45–52 (2015)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Lou, N.M., So, A.S.I., Hsieh, Y.J.: Integrated resort employee competencies: a Macau perspective. Int. J. Contemp. Hosp. Manag. 31(1), 247–267 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCHM-07-2017-0431

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Madter, N., Bower, D.A., Aritua, B.: Projects and personalities: a framework for individualising project management career development in the construction industry. Int. J. Project Manag. 30(3), 273–281 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Morgeson, F.P., Delaney-Klinger, K., Mayfield, M.S., Ferrara, P., Campion, M.A.: Self-presentation processes in job analysis: a field experiment investigating inflation in abilities, tasks, and competencies. J. Appl. Psychol. 89(4), 674 (2004)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Oecd, E.: Oslo manual: Guidelines for collecting and interpreting innovation data. Paris 2005, Sp, 46 (2005)

    Google Scholar 

  30. Pearlman, K., Barney, M.F.: Selection for a changing workplace. Manag. Sel. Changing Organ. Hum. Resour. Strat. 3–72 (2000)

    Google Scholar 

  31. Polo, F., Kantola, J.: Valorizing the human capital within organizations: a competency based approach. In: International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics, pp. 55–63. Springer, Cham (2018)

    Google Scholar 

  32. Rodriguez, D., Patel, R., Bright, A., Gregory, D., Gowing, M.K.: Developing competency models to promote integrated human resource practices. Hum. Resour. Manag. 41(3), 309–324 (2002)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Salleh, K.M., Subhi, N.I., Sulaiman, N.L., Latif, A.A.: Generic skills of technical undergraduates and industrial employers’ perceptions in Malaysia. Int. J. Appl. Bus. Econ. Res. 14(14), 907–919 (2016)

    Google Scholar 

  34. Shippmann, J.S., Ash, R.A., Batjtsta, M., Carr, L., Eyde, L.D., Hesketh, B., Kehoe, J., Pearlman, K., Prien, E.P., Sanchez, J.I.: The practice of compentency modeling. Pers. Psychol. 53(4), 703–740 (2000)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Shum, C., Gatling, A., Shoemaker, S.: A model of hospitality leadership competency for frontline and director-level managers: Which competencies matter more? J. Hosp. Manag. 74, 57–66 (2018)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Eric Soderquist, K., Papalexandris, A., Ioannou, G., Prastacos, G.: From task-based to competency-based: a typology and process supporting a critical HRM transition. Pers. Rev. 39(3), 325–346 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1108/00483481011030520

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Sparrow, P.R.: Organizational competencies: creating a strategic behavioural framework for selection and assessment. Int. Handb. Sel. Assess. 343–368 (1997)

    Google Scholar 

  38. Suhairom, N., Musta’amal, A.H., Amin, N.F.M., Kamin, Y., Wahid, N.H.A.: Quality culinary workforce competencies for sustainable career development among culinary professionals. Int. J. Hosp. Manag. 81, 205–220 (2019)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Testa, M.R., Sipe, L.: Service-leadership competencies for hospitality and tourism management. Int. J. Hosp. Manag. 31(3), 648–658 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Vakola, M., Eric Soderquist, K., Prastacos, G.P.: Competency management in support of organizational change. Int. J. Manpower 28(3/4), 260–275 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  41. Wang, Y.-F.: Constructing career competency model of hospitality industry employees for career success. Int. J. Contemp. Hosp. Manag. 25(7), 994–1016 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCHM-07-2012-0106

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Xiao, Y., Liu, J., Pang, Y.: Development of a competency model for real-estate project managers: case study of China. Int. J. Constr. Manag. 19(4), 317–328 (2019)

    Google Scholar 

  43. Zhang, F., Zuo, J., Zillante, G.: Identification and evaluation of the key social competencies for Chinese construction project managers. Int. J. Project Manag. 31(5), 748–759 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Technology and Innovation, University of Vaasa, Wolffintie 34, 65200, Vaasa, Finland

    Federica Polo & Jussi Kantola

Authors
  1. Federica Polo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Jussi Kantola
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Federica Polo .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Production, University of Vaasa, Vaasa, Finland

    Jussi Ilari Kantola

  2. Institute of Maritime Operations, University College of Southeast Norway, Borre, Norway

    Salman Nazir

  3. Häme University of Applied Sciences, Hämeenlinna, Finland

    Vesa Salminen

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2020 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this paper

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this paper

Polo, F., Kantola, J. (2020). Tomorrow’s Digital Worker: A Critical Review and Agenda for Building Digital Competency Models. In: Kantola, J., Nazir, S., Salminen, V. (eds) Advances in Human Factors, Business Management and Leadership. AHFE 2020. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, vol 1209. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-50791-6_14

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-50791-6_14

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-50790-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-50791-6

  • eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation