RACOflexions croisACOes sur la gestion des compACOtences en France et en AmACOrique du Nord

The phenomenon of competency management has gradually grown in importance to the point that it is now a well-established practice in full development on both sides of the Atlantic. The comparison of these two national contexts shows that scholars are clearly faced with two distinct systems, each with its own history, its pace, and its practical details in structuring, its means of organization and of leading and also, doubtlessly, having its own structuring effects on the environments in which it is established. Several differentiating elements stand out between the two systems. The conceptual work from which skills management has developed appears more multidisciplinary in nature, more intensive, and at the same time, richer in the French context (sociology, education, ergonomics, cognitive psychology, adult education, etc.) than on the American side, where psychology is the key consideration. Nevertheless, analysis shows that the competency management instrumentation presents certain important similarities between North America and France.