Abstract:
Competency is the ability to perform a task efficiently and effectively. One of the necessary skills students need is writing, understanding, and formatting the references section of their work. However, knowledge of this competency is non-existent or unknown in the field of Library and Information Science (LIS). Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between referencing competencies and individual’s performance in the context of undergraduate students. A quantitative method was adopted; 292 respondents were involved, selected from undergraduate students at one of the Malaysian local universities. Descriptive analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. On the other hand, inferential analysis was performed using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling using SmartPLS version 3.2.8. Findings show that knowledge, skills, and ability positively and significantly affect individual performance.
Machine summary:
Introduction The importance of managing an individual's skill and competencies are well discussed in the literature (Abrizah, 1998; Homer, 2001; Jabr, 2010; Khan, Masrek & Nadzar, 2015; Masrek, Johare, Saad, Rahim & Masli, 2012; Malaysia, 2004; Vakola, Eric Soderquist & Prastacos, 2007).
From the individual perspective, understanding one's competency can help them to (I) establish on-going skills and education demands, (2) decide on career goals for advancement or career prospects, (3) establish performance and expectation, potential motivation for career advancement, and knowledge, skills, or ability training needed, and (4) developed a professional growth plan.
Lack of knowledge on referencing competency undermines educational institutions' significant investment (Matusiak, 2012; Chiong, Kiing, Ler, Lim & Wong, 2016; S Baharuddin & Mohamad Rosman, 2020).
Competency in Library and Information Science (LIS) This study considers that one of the necessary skills students need is writing, understanding, and formatting the references section of their work.
Among the standards that can be used are Federal Librarian Competencies, ALA's Core Competencies of Librarianship, and MLA’s Competencies for Lifelong Learning and Professional Success Federal Librarian Competencies FLICC Human Resources Working Group (2011) had developed a Federal Librarians Competencies in 201 I to describe the federal librarians' knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform successfully.
In an organizational context, this theory proposes that investment in education and training will help the individual enhance their skill level and productivity, resulting in higher earnings (McCracken, McIvor, Treacy & Wall, 2017; Grant, 1996; Hatch & Dyer, 2004).