An exploratory study identifying soft skill competencies in entry-level managers

The identification of competencies needed by hospitality managers has been investigated since the 1980s. In all of the competency research related to hospitality management, essential competencies include skills that can be classified as soft skills, yet a comprehensive list of these soft skills has not been identified. The purpose of this project is to have industry professionals rate the importance of soft skill competencies found in literature, and then reduce this list of competencies by completing a factor analysis. This study serves as the beginning for a comprehensive study of soft skills needed in entry-level hospitality management positions. doi:10.1057/thr.2009.22; published online 21 September 2009 Keywords: soft skills; employment competencies; technical skills; human relations skills; conceptual skills
INTRODUCTION Many times companies will discuss the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) of their applicants because they are trying to select the 'best fit' for their company. Most companies will [...]