e-Competency of Practitioners: A Grounded Theory

Competency in the use of ICT is enjoying renewed attention in the research and practice, but there may be a notable lack of a deeper theoretical view in this area of interest. This paper presents a grounded theory that revolves around three core elements namely: e-Competency Sets, e-Competency Acquisition, and Triggers. It is proposed that the practitioner possesses an eCompetency Set, consisting of three dimensions. e-Competency is obtained by engaging in processes of e-Competency Acquisition. These processes allow practitioners to acquire e-Competencies through the utilization of e-Competency Acquisition Resources and by following e-Competency Acquisition Strategies. e-Competency Acquisition is set in motion by a Trigger. This theory will also find application in a wide range of areas where e-Competency is a concern. The major contribution of this theory is a conceptually organized framework for traditionally fragmented ideas on e-Competency.