Dutch public affairs professionals in the national and European arena: A smart mix of skills,attitude, and knowledge competences |
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Authors: | Edward L. Figee Jordy F. Gosselt Paul C.J. Linders Menno D.T. de Jong |
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Affiliation: | Department of Communication Science, Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands |
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Abstract: | Although the profession of public affairs (PA) is increasingly important for organizations, relatively little is known about the range of competences PA professionals need. This article presents a qualitative study among 41 experienced Dutch PA professionals and practitioners, who were interviewed about the competences needed in regional and local PA. The results show that a combination of skills‐related, attitudinal, and knowledge‐related competences is needed. Skills‐related competences involve two broad domains: politics and communication. Attitudinal competences comprise the almost paradoxical qualities of authentic professionalism and flexibility. Knowledge‐related competences comprise political and communicative knowledge. These competences are used in a delicate process of swapping, depending on the situation of the very moment and the PA file at hand. Every competence may be of decisive importance. The PA professional is a silent diplomat. |
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