Faculty Perceptions of Soft and Hard Skills in Sport Management Curricula

While employers still see the value in accessing hard skills, the current hiring process involves placing a greater emphasis on the transferable skills known as soft skills. These soft skills include critical thinking, teamwork, leadership, written and oral communication, and the ability to research independently. As such, hiring managers suggest the onus for developing soft skills rest with faculty as they equip these future employees with the soft skills necessary for a given role or industry. There exists an abundance of research in skill development and employability from the vantage point of the employer and of the graduating student, however, very little has been dedicated to faculty perception of the value of hard and soft skills. The purpose of this study therefore was to measure the emphasis sport management faculty place on soft and hard skills. Respondents (n = 106) provided the level of emphasis they give to soft and hard skills in the classroom and in their faculty meetings. Results indicate that sport management faculty place significantly greater emphasis on soft skills in the classroom and believe these skills have a greater impact on both initial hiring decisions and subsequent long-term career success.