Competencies of Work in Agricultural Research Units

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate and discuss the concepts comprised of the competencies deriving from tacit and explicit knowledge of operational work, a critical factor in the transfer and retention of knowledge in an organization of agricultural activities, as well as their relationships. Thus, this article contains a review of the literature to understand the relationship between worker competencies and the work done in agricultural units linked to teaching and research institutes in Brazil. The term agricultural unitsrefers to experimental farms belonging to higher education institutions, intended to serve as a workplace for teaching, research and extension activities. This research is also based on the specific characteristics of work in an organization that fit in situations of high variability. The final product of an experimental farm includes not only research results and generated knowledge, but also the development of operational activities. Finally, this paper discusses the relationship of competencies necessary for the development of this kind of agricultural unit of teaching and research.