Adopting a Competency Based Human Resource Management System in Palestine Cellular Communication LTD-JAWWAL

The goal of this research is to identify JAWWAL core competencies that will serve as a foundation for a competency based human resource (HR) management system, which for this research will include recruitment and selection, training and development, and performance management for this research. In order to achieve the general objectives of this study, semi-structured interviews and focus groups with JAWWAL directors, managers and supervisors were conducted as well as gathering completed competency based training appraisal forms from direct supervisors of employees who have participated in a competency based training course. Based upon the analysis of responses, which formed 63% of the sample, the following conclusions were drawn: -Eleven core competencies have been identified for JAWWAL employees, derived from JAWWALs mission and vision statements and they will serve as the base for the HR competency system. -JAWWAL will gain many advantages by adopting such a system. First, it will link its employees with the mission and vision statements; second, recruitment and selection will be competency based and not job based which encourages managers and other decision makers to clarify the verifiable, measurable results they expect from successful performers before a selection decision is made. This makes selection methods more effective, which reduces turnover, where, in this study, turnover was reduced by 0.196% during a period of seven months, since the employees who are hired are more likely to do well in jobs or work roles that are matched to their existing or potential competencies. -Competency based training allowed JAWWAL employees to structure their activities and processes in ways that are most meaningful to them. With this approach to training, JAWWAL managers, supervisors and employees are now more able to identify and use many learning resources in diverse settings. JAWWALs competency-based approach to training consistently communicates a common set of performance expectations to every team member. JAWWAL started to focus all training on meeting employees needs that support successful and creative team performance. Competency-based training began to help JAWWAL managers and supervisors keep JAWWAL employees focused on achieving exemplary performance. -It was concluded by the respondents that in a competency based system the process will encourage frank and non-adversarial communication between employees and their managers. It is not unusual for JAWWAL employees to express their concerns in performing work that is not aligned with their strengths or interests. It is not only the less productive employees but often exemplary performers as well, who express these concerns. It also gives JAWWAL employees the opportunity to convey their interests and satisfaction in performing work that is aligned with their competencies. JAWWAL employees' work results will be aligned with achievement of strategic objectives, and this contribution will be identified in specific and usually measurable terms. Work that is identified as nonstrategic can be eliminated; it will allow JAWWAL to use its resources in other more productive ways. A competency-based HR performance management system establishes a work environment at JAWWAL in which the roles, relationships, and responsibilities of both managers and employees are well defined. -Communication of strategic change is the most important strategy that the HR Directorate must work on to ensure success of the competency system JAWWAL is seeking to adopt for HR functions. In conclusion, this study recommends that JAWWALs top management allow the HR Directorate to play an effective strategic role through adopting the competency based human resource management system that will align HR practices with JAWWAL's strategic objectives and employee development efforts as well as to integrate all components of the HR functions across JAWWAL. Key words: JAWWAL, HR Directorate, Core Competencies, Competency Based Human Resource Management System, Recruitment and Selection, Training and Development, and Performance Management.