Core competencies in the public sector Available to Purchase

The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the application of a strategic model for identifying core competencies within public sector organisation (e.g. local authorities and public corporations). Core competencies are defined as those activities that provide strategic advantage to an organisation. A strategic model has been developed, which is simple to use and can be adjusted to suit any public sector organisation. The model consists of criterion elements, which are used to assess the significance of a given activity; these elements are weighted to reflect the organisation's aims, values and strategic vision. The application of the model results in each activity having a percentage value, which can then be used to determine its core status and consequently, its potential for outsourcing, or supporting an in-house capability. The model is a simple, yet effective means of initial core competence decision-making. It is concluded that by applying the model, core competencies can be identified in a systematic manner, strategically linking them to an organisation's corporate aims and objectives.