Nominal Group Technique and the Formulation of Competency Standards

Abstract

The definition of competency upon which Australia's National Competency Standards are based and which forms the basis for all analysis and subse quent training and assessment represents a major departure from traditional task-based notions of effective performance. By incorporating attributes not directly observable or measurable the Standards require an approacb to com petency analysis which extends well beyond the behaviouralist model which has, to date, determined most approacbes to job analysis and training devel opment. When the Australian Association of Occupational Therapists (AAOT) sought to develop a set of competency standards for their profession, the need for an approach more in tune with current notions of competence became apparent. This paper describes the use of the method they selected, known as nominal group technique, and considers its effectiveness as a means for iden tifying competencies when attempting to ensure that consultation, participa tion and commitment are built into the process.