The notion of competence: policy versus education and the labour market

Abstract

The paper presents the notions and definitions of competence and meanings associated with those notions in OECD international literacy studies and in the European Commission’s policy. The notions adopted in EU policy and OECD studies are backed up by certain axiology. Generally speaking, those organisations define competence as a set of knowledge and varied skills required for individual success and smooth-operating society. The competences learned at school are intended to prepare the individuals to cope with their roles at work, in the family and the society at large. A success in life is understood as self-fulfilment and autonomy. Social prosperity is defined in terms of sustainable growth, environmental protection and fight against social exclusion. The link between competence, individualism and effectiveness is mentioned less frequently. By defining and measuring competence and core skills societies may improve effectiveness of education and better accommodate curricula to labour market demands. However, a complete match between the supply of competence and the demands of labour market does not seem achievable.