Human Resources Division

Behavioural Attributes

Behavioural attributes (or behavioural competencies) are a way of describing a range of individual characteristics that can be measured and can be shown to differentiate effective and ineffective performance. A job role will require from the postholder both behavioural and technical attributes. Whilst the University has only adopted the use of behavioural attributes, other organisations may use the word competency to include technical skills.

Behavioural attributes are made up of a range of motives, traits, skills, knowledge etc. In a given situation these are evidenced by the way an individual behaves, and can be a significant factor in helping to predict job performance.

The core purpose of the framework developed by the University is to identify what separates best practice from the rest: What do those individuals who display best practice do differently, and why is it they are different from the others (i.e. what qualities are the basis of their behaviour)? What are the key qualities and attributes required in a role to accomplish the organisational or institutional goals?