Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Practice Exam

Including competencies in an employee's development plan is vital because they can be learned. Competencies represent a combination of knowledge, skills, abilities, and personal attributes that contribute to individual performance in their role. By emphasizing learnable competencies, organizations encourage employees to engage in professional development and continuous learning, which is critical for personal growth and career advancement. This approach aligns with the belief that most competencies are not inherent traits but can be cultivated through training, experience, and practice.

While measuring essential job functions, facilitating self-assessment, and being organization-specific are important considerations in a development plan, the core reason for including competencies is the potential for employees to develop and enhance their capabilities through targeted learning opportunities. Focusing on learnable competencies empowers employees to take responsibility for their growth and aligns their personal goals with the organization's objectives.