, IOP2605 Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026 - DUE March 2026
Question 1
1.1 Characteristics of the perspective of a competent human being as
presented in the excerpt
The perspective of a competent human being, as presented in the
excerpt by Van der Westhuizen and Wessels (2011), views employees in
the public sector as active, capable and responsible contributors to
organisational performance rather than passive recipients of
instructions. This perspective emphasises that human beings possess
inherent abilities that can be developed and enhanced through
appropriate management practices.
A key characteristic of a competent human being is the ability to apply
knowledge and skills effectively in the workplace. Competence is not
limited to formal qualifications, but includes practical skills, experience
and the capacity to translate theoretical knowledge into effective
action. According to Van der Westhuizen and Wessels (2011), a
competent employee is able to perform tasks efficiently while adapting
to changing organisational demands and public service requirements.
Another important characteristic is self-awareness and personal
responsibility. A competent human being understands their own
strengths and weaknesses and takes responsibility for continuous self-
improvement. This involves recognising development needs and
actively seeking opportunities for learning and growth. In the public
sector context, this characteristic supports improved service delivery
and accountability.
Question 1
1.1 Characteristics of the perspective of a competent human being as
presented in the excerpt
The perspective of a competent human being, as presented in the
excerpt by Van der Westhuizen and Wessels (2011), views employees in
the public sector as active, capable and responsible contributors to
organisational performance rather than passive recipients of
instructions. This perspective emphasises that human beings possess
inherent abilities that can be developed and enhanced through
appropriate management practices.
A key characteristic of a competent human being is the ability to apply
knowledge and skills effectively in the workplace. Competence is not
limited to formal qualifications, but includes practical skills, experience
and the capacity to translate theoretical knowledge into effective
action. According to Van der Westhuizen and Wessels (2011), a
competent employee is able to perform tasks efficiently while adapting
to changing organisational demands and public service requirements.
Another important characteristic is self-awareness and personal
responsibility. A competent human being understands their own
strengths and weaknesses and takes responsibility for continuous self-
improvement. This involves recognising development needs and
actively seeking opportunities for learning and growth. In the public
sector context, this characteristic supports improved service delivery
and accountability.
