Definitions
For a rapid development and achievement of positive results, knowledge should be enhanced through learning. This will build the employees competency and double their performance which will be reflected in the resulting increment. The terms knowledge, learning, competence, performance, development, and results are significant commonly used terms and understanding their definitions are important in human resource management.
As generally accepted, knowledge is the key to every action. It can be defined as a body of information or facts that are acquired through some process over time. Knowledge can be acquired through learning which is mechanisms to accumulate knowledge or plans to increase knowledge and skills which improves employees’ competency.
Competence, which is necessary quality to be found in employees, is the ability to perform. This may be learned through learning or come as natural abilities. Competence ensures a good performance of the employees while incompetency may lead to a loss of a job.
Performance refers to actions taken by all employees in a concerted direction that are not independently influenced by environment and motivation strategies which may lower or increase the employees’ performance capacity. Therefore, it is important to optimize employees’ performance as this has an impact on other organization operations.
Development is the ultimate and central goal of any organization, facility or company. Some developments may be accidental or purposeful or may embody activities focused on driving a learning activity. Therefore, developments can either be positive or negative and should be monitored to avoid accidental effects that may hurt business performance.
Results are the main focus of acquiring knowledge, insisting on competency, performance, and development. They are outcomes of collective actions of all employees which are manifested in the quality of products and services delivered to customers. Therefore, to achieve the expected results, all the aspects must be incorporated.