Developing Entry-Level Communication Skills: A Comparison of Student and Employer Perceptions

Abstract

Persistent concerns about college graduates’ foundational skills for workforce preparedness compels educators to continue exploring ways to address them. Although effective communication is widely regarded as essential for entry-level professionals, which skills matter most may vary. Employers’ satisfaction with communication skills also shifts over time. This study compares regional employers’ and undergraduate business majors’ satisfaction with given communication skills and their perceptions about various skills’ importance. Results showed students rank importance and satisfaction similarly, and students’ satisfaction with their skills exceeded employers’. Regressions showed student satisfaction with specific skills predict their perceived importance. Implications for curriculum development are discussed.

Speaking to a General Audience: Activities for an Economics Capstone Course

“…Identifying the Need There is extensive literature, both in the scholarly and popular press, stressing that employers desire graduates with strong communication abilities and other soft skills (Owen, 2010;Stowe et al, 2012;Wilke, 2019;Orrell, 2021;Kleckner & Butz, 2022;Mainga et al, 2022). These work-readiness skills directly impact potential candidates' employability (David, David, & David, 2021;Zuma, 2021), which then shapes employer perceptions of the universities from which these students graduated (Wilton, 2014).…”

“…The ability to communicate effectively is a skill demanded in the workplace and valued by employers (Owen, 2010;Stowe et al, 2012;Orrell, 2021;Kleckner & Butz, 2022;Mainga et al, 2022). In economics, students focus on both written and oral communication, but it is usually with the professor as the intended audience.…”

Describing the employer’s satisfaction on college of business education graduates employed in banking institutions

“…These business graduates and newly hired know how the transaction moves through the accounting process so that they can evaluate the reasonableness of accounting information. Kleckner and Butz (2022) stresses the communication skills of accounting and business graduates that are widely regarded as essential for entry-level accounting and business professionals. With the rapid advancement in technology, employers tend to seek business graduates who know how to use technology in making financial statements and interpreting accounting information and how this accountant behaves (Hutchins & Roberts, 2018;Mohd et al, 2009).…”

Communication Apprehension in the Workplace: Focusing on Inclusion

“…Regardless of the causes of higher apprehension in interpersonal communication, the need to address interpersonal communication is crucial since employers value interpersonal communication skills more than other communications skills (such as presentations) (Choudaha et al, 2021; Coffelt et al, 2022). Although interpersonal communication skills are more essential to professional success for early-career professionals, most business communication curricula appear to prioritize presentations and public speaking over interpersonal communication skills (Coffelt et al, 2022; Kleckner & Butz, 2022; Moshiri & Cardon, 2020).…”

“…To some extent, this indicates the percentage of participants who reported apprehension for the item. communication skills (Coffelt et al, 2022;Kleckner & Butz, 2022;Moshiri & Cardon, 2020).…”