Generic skills are also known by many
other terms such as soft skills, key skills, common skills, essential skills, employability
skills, basic skills, necessary skills, competencies skills, and transferable
skills. Nabi and Bagley (1998) , have
divided the generic skills into three categories which are personal skills,
communication skills, and problem solving skills. Bennett, Dunne and Carre (2000) have reported based on their research findings
that generic skills can be presented in four broad areas of management skills
namely management of self, management of others, management of task, and
management of information. Crosbie (2005)
had listed the eight soft skills that are needed by all individuals:
collaboration/teamwork, communication skills, initiative, leadership ability,
people development/coaching, personal effectiveness/personal mastery, planning
and organizing, and presentation skills. Generic skills include “effective
reading, writing, analytical, conceptual thinking and critical thinking skills,
an ability to solve problems in an unstructured setting, an understanding of
organizations, international and multicultural knowledge and the ability to
resolve ethical dilemmas” (Nathan and Dunn, 1997) .
Generic skills are vital for
all graduates to acquire, regardless of their field of study. These skills such
as communication skills, analytical, critical and problem solving skills,
lifelong learning ability, entrepreneurship and management skills are the ones
that employers value as important skills for potential employees to possess.
This has aroused concern among many parties whish has led to the development of
the Framework on Incorporating Soft Skill in Teaching and Learning in Malaysia
Higher Education Institution. The Malaysian Institute of Higher Learning
interprets soft skills as incorporating aspects of generic skills which include
non-academic skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication, and lifelong
learning. Below are the seven traits of ‘‘soft’’ skills that are to be embedded
in the syllabus taught at Institutes of Higher Learning:
I.
Communication
skills
Students are expected to be fluent and able to communicate
effectively in both Bahasa Malaysia and English language. As graduates they
should be able to convey their thoughts with clarity and confidence both in
written and oral forms. They are also expected to be active listeners while
providing the necessary response. Graduates should also be capable of giving
and using technology during presentations confidently
II. Critical
thinking and problem solving skills
With this skill, graduates should be able to think in a critical,
creative, innovative, and analytical manner which includes the ability to apply
knowledge. Elements that graduates must possess under this aspect are the
ability to identify and analyze complex situation as well as making evaluations
that are justifiable. They should also have the ability to expand and improve
thinking skills, to provide ideas, and alternative solutions
III. Team work
Team work skills involve the ability to work and cooperate with
people from various social and cultural backgrounds so as to achieve a common
goal. In order to build a good working relationship with his/her peers, it is
essential that graduates are respectful toward others’ attitude, behavior, and
belief. From time to time graduates are also expected to undertake the role of
a leader and a group member interchangeably
IV. Lifelong
learning and information management skills
In acquiring skills and knowledge, graduates should be able to do
self-regulate learning independently. They should have the skills to search for
relevant information from various sources and able to manage them efficiently.
They should also be receptive to new ideas and able to develop an inquiry mind.
V. Entrepreneurship
skill
This skill involves the ability to venture into business and
work-related opportunities while creating risk awareness. This skill includes
the ability to identify business opportunities and be able to prepare, build,
and explore business plans which eventually leads to self-employment.
VI. Ethics and
professional moral
With the above skill, graduates are able to practice with high
moral standards in the relevant professional practice. Graduates should also be
able to understand the effects of economy, environment, and socio-cultural
factors on their respective professional practice. In relation to ethical
issues, graduates should be able to analyze and arrive at decisions in matters
concerning ethics. Beyond the working environment, graduates should be able to
practice good ethics while having a sense of responsibility toward society.
VII. Leadership skill
Leadership skill entails the ability to lead in various
activities. Graduates should have the knowledge on basic leadership theories
which will enable the graduates to lead a project. It is also essential that
graduates are able to understand the role of a leader and a group member and be
able to carry out those roles interchangeably.
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