Behavioral diversity of Generation Y students of economics-oriented fields of studies - soft skills

abstract

English

Purpose of the article The recent demographic trend introduces changes phenomena such as declining birth rate, population ageing or entry of a new generation of people in the labour market. This situation requires organizations to adapt to these changes in order to be able to effectively supplement staffing needs e.g., from unused labour reserves such as the group of graduates without experience. More emphasis on soft skill is put on graduate students in the labour market. Employers do not request only skills and knowledge connected to the field of study, but employers expect schools to teach their students social skills, too. Employers highlight following skills-ability to communicate, to express and defend own opinion, to be able to adapt to corporate culture. Each graduate is required to be flexible, be independent, capable of social interaction and communication. This European trend has been noticed in the Czech Republic as well. Methodology/methods This paper has been prepared based on the analysis of secondary and primary data. Primary data have been collected through a questionnaire survey (n = 432 students) employing the method of self-assessment questionnaire, published in the book "Versatile Management: Dynamic Balance of Management Skills". Scientific aim The aim of the paper is to identify soft skills level of secondary school graduates attending an economics-oriented university. Findings The aim of the paper is to identify the level of development of selected soft skills of secondary school graduates, commencing their studies at an economics-oriented university, which have appeared to be the key skills for future social adaptation of young people to working life and environment. These key skills have included the following soft skills learning style, listening style, self-openness and receiving feedback, style of conflict resolution and approach to the functioning of a team. Conclusions This research has confirmed low level of soft skills level possessed by respondents. Not even one of the respondents has demonstrated to master all five soft skills. On the contrary, the fact has been confirmed that respondents have used only one style of soft skills. Not a single one of the respondents has reached versatility in all five soft skills. The most frequently represented soft skill, as indicated by said research, has been the skill of self-openess and receiving feedback. Only 0.2% of all responsdents have shown the versatility of soft skill of team co-operation; i.e., the skill, which companies demand their employees to have. Mentioned research is not the only one piece of study to confirm this fact. Companies and as weel as research undertaken in the labor market in the Czech Republic point to this insufficiency as well.

age management, Generation Y, diversity management, behavioral diversity, soft skills, versatile management, interpersonal intelligence

KRUNTORÁDOVÁ, M.; FOJTŮ, K.

28. 5. 2015

978-80-214-5198-8

Perspectives of Business and Entrepreneurship Development

41

56

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