Centre for Technology Management

Analysing Competence: Gender and Identity at Work'

Rees B. and Garnsey E.

Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Mill Lane, CB2 1RX, UK

Abstract

Competence approaches are among the techniques which claim to measure the behaviour, skills, knowledge and understanding crucial to effective managerial performance. It is claimed that competence approaches empower managers and enable them to develop while working to meet organisational objectives. Since the bases for the techniques are avowedly scientific, it moreover provides organisations with a �gender neutral' form of assessment. In this paper we construct a theoretical framework in terms of which this claim can be analysed. Using this framework, we examine the competence approach as it has been implemented in six organisations in relation to the claim to objectivity.