Operational Capability Intelligence (OCI)
A Framework for Understanding Human Capability
Operational Capability Intelligence (OCI) is a framework for understanding human capability. It provides a structured approach to recognising, understanding and developing capability alongside achievement, enabling better decisions for individuals and organisations.
Operational Capability Intelligence (OCI) An Introduction
"Capability exists before it is recognised".
The Problem
We measure achievement exceptionally well.
Qualifications, certifications, experience and performance provide valuable evidence of what people have already accomplished.
But achievement and capability are not the same thing.
The Hidden Capability Problem
Capability can exist without being seen.
Capability is developed in many places. Leadership through volunteering or caring. Technical expertise through personal projects and self-directed learning. Resilience, judgement and decision-making through military service. Potential in young people that has simply not yet had the opportunity to emerge.
None of these individuals lack capability. What they often lack is a system capable of recognising it.
Operational Capability Intelligence exists to reduce the distance between capability and recognition.
01
Capability Exists Before It Is Recognised
Capability is not created by assessment. People develop knowledge, judgement, behaviours and practical skills throughout education, work and life. Recognition may come later.
02
Understanding Should Precede Decision
Good decisions depend upon good understanding. OCI seeks to improve understanding before decisions about people are made.
03
Capability Should Lead to Opportunity
Recognising capability should not simply describe people more accurately. It should help create meaningful opportunities for development, progression and contribution.
Technology may evolve. Methodologies may improve. Products will change. These principles should endure.
Understanding without replacing human judgement.
- OCI complements qualifications and achievement. It does not replace them.
- OCI does not predict an individual's future.
- OCI does not categorise or label people.
- OCI supports human judgement. It does not replace it.
OCI cannot remove uncertainty. It can only reduce uncertainty through better understanding.
From philosophy to practice
Human application of OCI with Organisations.
OCI applied to organisational workforce capability.
OCI applied to individual capability and development.
OCI applied to the broader realities of armed forces transition.