A Study on the Perceptual Differences about Core Competencies between Higher Education and Business Sectors

초록

The purpose of this study is to identify differences in the perceptions of core competencies between higher education and the business sector. A total of seven core competencies were identified primarily through literature reviews and focus group interviews by university professors. Based on those 7 competencies, researchers developed a survey focused on asking university professors and business employees to identify the three most important competencies. Surveys mainly including items asking the appropriateness of each competency for college students or corporate workers and items asking the three most important competencies in order, were administered to both groups. A total of 158 university professors and 242 corporate employees participated in the survey. Results demonstrate that university professors valued professional knowledge and creativity, while the business sector valued social skills and values/attitude, competencies usually formed during adolescence. Also, contrary to the belief that the business sector values creativity, corporate employees did not consider it most necessary for executing jobs. Findings of this research suggest that, first, backed by current findings in developmental psychology, professors should reconsider the popular notion that personality development is difficult to achieve after adolescence and incorporate social skills development in their curriculum. Second, universities should self-evaluate their practices and see if they are developing creativity as much as it is emphasized by professors, and third, businesses should eliminate obstacles that block creativity in their culture.

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