Competências no Trabalho: “Estado da Arte” da Produção Científica Portuguesa e Estrangeira

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the key features of scientific publications – Portuguese and foreign – on competencies at work. We sought empirical research reports, in Portuguese periodicals and foreign databases. In order to characterize such production some aspects will be discussed: theoretical approaches, goals, nature of research, used designs, tools and procedures for data analysis, among others that allow characterizing the production. It has been found that, in most cases, the research studies: a) describe specific skills for given jobs, b) have survey as a research design, c) present methodological plurality in relation to data collection and analyzes; d) are developed in the tertiary sector of the economic segment, and e) present cross-sectional design. Despite the fact that the Portuguese dissemination of research is recent and scarce, some features already deserve mention: the use of multiple assessment sources, the investigation of antecedents and consequences of competencies at work and of the relationship between competencies and performance. Differences have been found concerning the theoretical approaches used by Portuguese and foreign research studies.