Level 1
The
Initial level: At
the Initial level, the performance of workforce activities is
inconsistent. The organization typically provides forms for activities
such as performance appraisals or position requisitions, but offers little
guidance or training in conducting the activities supported by these
forms. Typically, managers have not been trained in performing most of
their workforce responsibilities, so their ability to manage those who
report to them is based on previous experience and their personal 'people
skills.' These organizations are not necessarily abusive or inconsiderate.
Their problem is that they do not have the ability to systemically develop
the competitive capability of their workforce.
Level 2
The
Repeatable level: The
primary objectives at the Repeatable level are to eliminate problems that
keep people from being able to perform their work responsibilities
effectively and to establish a foundation of workforce practices that can
be continuously improved in developing the workforce.
Level 3
The
Defined Level:
Still there is no consistency in how to perform the
practices across units. The main tasks on the Defined level is to
adapt the workforce to the nature of the organization's business and to
identify the core competences required to perform it. In order to do so,
the organization needs to identify the best practices within its own
workforce activities (or another organization's) and absorb them into the
foundation of its own workforce practices.
To identify the core competences, the organization analyzes its business
processes and recognizes the skills and knowledge crucial for its work.
Plans for developing these competences are distributed across the units
and the organization constitutes a strategy for developing the career of
individuals. A participatory culture on the company can develop.
The basic idea on the Defined level is having a workforce that possesses
the knowledge and skills required to carry out the company's core business
tasks. Also this knowledge is more evenly spread throughout the
organization, making it much easier to predict performance and capability.
On this level, the organization has established a foundation on which
further development of knowledge and skills can be steadily built.
