Task-related competencies: knowledge, skills, and abilities of the helping professionals


Yılmaz O., Demir E. M., Atay B.

International Journal of Lifelong Education, vol.42, no.5, pp.487-500, 2023 (ESCI) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 42 Issue: 5
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/02601370.2023.2262149
  • Journal Name: International Journal of Lifelong Education
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Periodicals Index Online, EBSCO Education Source, Education Abstracts, Educational research abstracts (ERA), ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Linguistics & Language Behavior Abstracts, Public Affairs Index
  • Page Numbers: pp.487-500
  • Keywords: competencies, helping professionals, job functions
  • TED University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The role of competencies in lifelong education is of great interest across helping professions. However, no known empirical research has focused on exploring the relationship between competencies and job tasks within the context of helping professions. This study sought to establish the competencies (i.e. knowledge, skills, and abilities) that the helping professionals use to perform their jobs. This research utilised an exploratory sequential mixed methods design. In the qualitative phase, focus group interviews were carried out with subject-matter experts to explore the tasks and competencies of helping professionals. Then, building on the findings, an inventory of the tasks and competencies of helping professionals was formed. In the quantitative phase, 819 helping professionals were asked to rate each of the items in this inventory. The results of the exploratory factor analyses yielded a multidimensional structure for both the competencies and tasks. Next, multiple linear regression analyses revealed that different categories of competencies were associated with different task domains. The findings can contribute to a better understanding of lifelong learning within helping professions.