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Purpose – In recent years, the number of freelancers has increased considerably, especially in the IT and the media sectors. Additionally, the discussion around employability has intensified because of its relevance for employees in meeting labour market demands. Employability is especially important for freelancers as it has a key influence on their financial success. However, there is a lack of empirical research on the employability of freelancers and the competences associated with it. This article aims to reduce this research gap by presenting findings of an explanatory study on freelancer employability. Design/methodology/approach – The empirical data in this article is based on 23 semi-structured interviews which were conducted with freelancers in the IT and media sectors. Findings – The results reveal that the employability of freelancers is shaped by technical, social and networking competences. Additionally, it is pointed out that the dynamics in the analyzed sectors are distinct and therefore the intensity of competence development and training is varying. Originality/value – The presented study contributes to research on freelancers as it stresses the necessity of employability for success at work. The link between employability and freelancers has not received prior attention in research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to identify the work-based competences associated with better career prospects in the Spanish labour market. Design/methodology/approach – The relationship between employee-based competencies and employment prospects is investigated through the lens of the competence-based approach. The partial least squares (PLS) methodology is applied on a sample of over 5,000 Spanish employees. Findings – The analysis establishes that skill, motivation, participation in decision-making and the performance of non-routine and complex tasks are associated with more favourable career prospects. Finally, it has also been found that human capital dimensions valued by firms vary with occupation, as clear differences have been observed between white- and blue-collar occupations. In particular, social skills and motivation appear to be more relevant for blue-collar workers than for white-collar workers. Originality/value – For the first time, this paper analyses employees' career prospects using work-based competences as predictors. Additionally, the analysis is based within a very uncertain labour market, Spain, where high unemployment and an extensive use of temporary contracts seriously hinder workers' career prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- Organizational effectiveness today depends largely on the ability to activate, share and transform the intellectual capital of the company into sustainable and difficult-to-imitate competitive advantage. This paper seeks to develop a competency typology that integrates previous definitions and frameworks from the literature and to propose a methodology for identifying competencies to aid the transition from a task-based to a competency-based logic for human resource management. Design/methodology/approach -- The paper is based on a longitudinal research project. The paper outlines a methodology and presents the findings from the implementation of a competency model in two case companies. It illustrates how the systematic use of the identified competency categories can support the identification and coding of competencies, which will facilitate the critical organizational transformation from a task-based to a competency-based approach. Findings -- The experience from the deployment offers potential challenges of implementing this framework in a specific cultural context. It identifies critical enablers that will contribute to successful implementation, whilst also providing insights concerning predicaments that have to be met. Originality/value -- The particular competency typology integrates previous definitions and frameworks from the literature, thus providing a holistic solution for supporting the implementation of a competency-based approach. Furthermore, through the analysis of the implementation of the competency framework in two case companies it serves as the basis for illustrating the main steps, as well as the critical success factors that characterize such projects. Finally, it demonstrates the advantages of integrating the proposed competency framework and offers managerial insights and guidelines for similar implementations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - To analyze the role of construction site supervisors, including foremen and general foremen, as front-line managers. The role is treated as a critical labor function and a source of value-added for construction management. Design/methodology/approach - An original model based on the labor competency management framework is proposed for training, developing and certifying construction supervisors in Chile and other developing countries. This model was developed from the findings of a case study in which the competency framework was applied to a specific construction company. Findings - This case study has demonstrated the significant potential of the competency framework for the Chilean construction sector, with its underdeveloped human resources management methods. In particular, this framework can be an effective approach to achieving the competencies required by construction site supervisors who must deal with inadequately trained workers, as is the case in many developing countries. The structured approach of the competency framework can help companies create more objective schemes for the design and implementation of training programs. Practical implications - The application of the competency approach can greatly improve the human resources management function in construction companies as well as the site performance of their personnel. The findings obtained so far in Chile can also be projected to construction companies in other developing countries in the region. Originality/value - This paper presents the first application of the competency framework to a Chilean construction company. This study is also original in the sense that the application described here was carried out in an environment where human resource conditions are quite deficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]