The unit of coding is the most basic segment, or element, of the raw data or information that can be assessed in a meaningful way regarding the pheno… - Richard Boyatzis

The raw data or information collected for studies using is a person's own words or actions or observable aspects of his or her life in an organization or culture.

The models of management which individuals and organizations use come from a variety of sources. Sometimes the model comes from a theory. The theory may emerge from someone's thoughts about the desired characteristics of a manager, or about the characteristics of competent managers. Sometimes the model comes from a panel. A group of people, possibly in the job or at levels above the job within the organization, generates a model through discussion of what is needed to perform a management job competently.

The result of a job element analysis is a weighted list of characteristics that managers perceive as important in distinguishing superior from average performers, and those characteristics required by anyone in the job.