Assessing Human Resource Competencies in the Logistics and Transport Sector: A Case Study of the Baltic States

Abstract

The article analyses employees' competencies in the logistics and transport sector in the Baltic countries - Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Based on the assessment of 8 key competencies (including communication in native and foreign languages, digital competence, entrepreneurship, assimilation of new knowledge, etc.), an analysis of three organisational levels (employees, managers, management) was conducted. The results reveal significant differences between countries and organisational levels in the approach to the importance of competencies. Estonia stands out as a leader in digital and technological maturity. In Latvia, a consistent orientation towards learning and intercultural skills is observed, whereas in Lithuania, employees' identity competencies dominate, but management does not emphasise them. Cultural, structural, and managerial factors that determine the devaluation or recognition of competencies are discussed. The article emphasises that competencies must be developed at all organisational levels, integrated into strategic planning, and assessed not only as functions, but also as value and cultural foundations of organisations.