Competence is the feminine noun from the Latin term compete which means a ability to perform some task or function. It is also a word used synonymously with culture, knowledge and jurisdiction.
In many cases, this word indicates a cool attribute of a judge or official who reveals his ability to judge a particular case.
It can also indicate aptitude, knowledge or ability in a specific area. Ex: In his travels around the world he acquired various language skills.
competence and skill are two concepts that are related. The skill is to be able to put into practice the mental theories and concepts that have been acquired while the competence is broader and consists of the junction and coordination of knowledge, attitudes and skills.
professional competence
in context business and from the labor market, there is the expression professional competence, which indicates a set of characteristics of an individual that help them to perform their functions in the workplace.
It is an element of differentiation, and companies usually seek to hire people with professional skills already developed. However, many companies invest in training their employees, so that new skills are acquired, which contributes to the company's success.
Legal competence
At the legal framework, competence expresses the responsibility and legitimacy of a judicial body (such as a judge, for example) to exercise its jurisdiction. Thus, jurisdiction sets the limits within which this judicial body can act.
For different areas, there are elements with jurisdictional or legal competence that are able to act. Only those who have legal competence to do so can demand a certain action. For example: only a competent body can demand that a video be removed from Youtube.
Absolute and relative competence
Also in the legal sphere, there is absolute and legal competence. Absolute competence is that which is established according to the functional criterion, due to the person or subject. The relative jurisdiction, on the other hand, is fixed in terms of the territory or in terms of the value of the case.
