A theory of collective competence: challenging the neo-liberal individualisation of performance at work

Citation

Boreham N (2004) A theory of collective competence: challenging the neo-liberal individualisation of performance at work. British Journal of Educational Studies, 52 (1), pp. 5-17. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8527.2004.00251.x

Abstract
Contemporary work-related education and training policy represents occupational competence as the outcome of individual performance at work. This paper presents a critique of this neo -liberal assumption, arguing that in many cases competence should be regarded as an attribute of groups, teams and communities. It proposes a theory of collective competence in terms of (1) making collective sense of events in the workplace, (2) developing and using a collective knowledge base and (3) developing a sense of interdependency. It suggests that the language of competence would become a more effective tool for understanding performance at work if the collectivistic sense of the term ‘competence’ were used in conjunction with the more established individualistic sense.

Keywords
competence; vocational training; collectivism; individualism; Vocational teachers Training of; Knowledge management; Industrial productivity; Professional Competence

Journal
British Journal of Educational Studies: Volume 52, Issue 1