12.5 Summary

The chapter discusses the competencies that are important for HR professionals in today’s work world, as defined by The Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) in Ontario, Canada. The HRPA proposes a number of core competencies for HR professionals, categorized as functional or enabling competencies.

The chapter also lists the competencies in each category. Functional competencies include strategy, professional practice, organizational effectiveness, workforce planning and talent management, labour and employee relations, total rewards, learning and development, and health, wellness, and safe workplace. Enabling competencies include critical thinking and analysis, technologically savvy, research skills, quantitative skills, critical legal thinking, emotional intelligence, project management, decision-making skills, business acumen, independence, ethical behavior and professionalism, relationship management, negotiation and influencing, and strategic and organizational leadership.