Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics (KSAOs): Definition, History and Characteristics
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics (KSAOs) are the combination of traits that a person has that define their abilities to acquire, retain, and utilize knowledge and skills in a particular occupation or field of endeavor. KSAOs are a key component of the hiring process, as they are used to determine the suitability of a candidate for a position.
Definition
KSAOs are the collection of knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics that enable a person to perform a particular job or task. This definition includes both the cognitive and affective components of the individual’s ability to perform the job. Cognitive components are those related to the person’s understanding and knowledge of the job, while affective components are those related to the individual’s attitudes and motivation towards the job.
History
The concept of KSAOs has been around since the 1950s, when the U.S. Army began using them to evaluate potential recruits. The Army used a system called the Personnel Qualification Test (PQT) to assess the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics of potential recruits. The PQT was based on the job analysis method that had been developed by the U.S. Army in the 1930s. The Army adapted this system for its own use, and the concept of KSAOs was born.
The concept of KSAOs has since been adopted by numerous other organizations, including the U.S. Department of Labor, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The ISO has developed a standard for KSAOs that is used by many organizations in their hiring process.
Characteristics
KSAOs are typically divided into three categories: knowledge, skills, and abilities. Knowledge is the individual’s understanding of the job and its associated tasks. Skills are the abilities the individual has to carry out the tasks associated with the job. Abilities are the individual’s aptitude for performing the job effectively.
KSAOs also include other characteristics, such as personality traits, physical abilities, communication skills, and other qualities that may be important for the job. These characteristics can include the individual’s work ethic, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and interpersonal skills.
Conclusion
KSAOs are an important component in the hiring process, as they provide employers with a better understanding of a potential employee’s suitability for the job. The concept of KSAOs has been around since the 1950s and has been adapted by numerous organizations for their own use. KSAOs include knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics that are important for the job.
References
Armstrong, M., & Murlis, H. (2004). Reward Management: A Handbook of Remuneration Strategy and Practice. London: Kogan Page.
Beardwell, I., & Holden, L. (2011). Human Resource Management: A Contemporary Approach. Harlow, UK: FT Prentice Hall.
International Organization for Standardization. (2015). ISO/IEC 30111:2015 Information Technology — Human Resources — Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics. Geneva, Switzerland: International Organization for Standardization.
U.S. Army. (1956). Personnel Qualification Test (PQT). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.
U.S. Department of Labor. (2012). Guide to the Selection Process. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.
U.S. Office of Personnel Management. (2014). Guide to Staffing and Recruiting. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.