Competency vs. Corporate Identification

An interesting comundrum -- one which rises above the bottom line.  I thought that competency as regards work performance was primary. I  other words, an individuals proven ability to meet or exceed the core competencies of a postion made them an unquestioned valued employee.  Why not? they are contributing to the success of the company.

Faced with the spector of more layoffs-- selecting employees for the 1st round was less than difficult- a CEO raised the spectre that the "compatibility quotient" of employees was perhaps more important than competency.  The ability of the individual to be a team player, to get along with associatges, and to get along with him were of great value in the long term.  From the perspective of psychic energy needed to lead employees, the "get along" employee was far less demanding.... and during this time of stressors coming from many directions this is an asset

Interesting -- and who is served best... the stockholders or the CEO? When the human factor is entered into a seemingly clear cut accountng equation the waters get murky.