scholarly journals SOFT SKILLS AS THE BASIS OF SOCIAL CAPITAL AND COMPETITIVENESS OF ENTERPRISES

Author(s):  
O.А. Grishnova ◽  
◽  
O.V. Zhuk ◽  

The article defines the essence of enterprise competitiveness as well as the factors that form it. The purpose of the article is to explore the essence of the concept of "soft skills" as an integral part of the development of social capital of employees to ensure the efficiency of enterprises as well as their impact on the competitiveness of enterprises in Ukraine. The role of "soft skills" and social capital in supporting and improving the efficiency of the enterprise and creating its competitive advantages is especially emphasized. Based on the analysis, it is emphasized that the formation and development of "soft, flexible" staff skills is one of the priorities of modern companies. The analysis confirmed the importance of "soft skills" in the formation of social capital and competitiveness of the enterpris, as well as helped to identify trends in "soft skills" in today's world. The results showed that the most necessary "soft skill" for an employee in the company in today's challenges is to take responsibility. Communication skills, organization, attentiveness, resilience and self-control also play an important role. It is established that these skills form individual social capital of employees, help to find the first job and successfully develop it. It is important that namely these skills form the basis of corporate social capital, help maintain the team and strengthen the resilience of the enterprise in today's challenges. These skills in combination with high professionalism will be able to lead the company to the peak of efficiency and sustainability. Based on the author's sociological survey, the main competencies that need to be developed to achieve competitiveness in the market are identified. According to the results of the research, main directions and priorities of soft skills development were identified and systematized at 4 levels: personal (individual, family), microeconomic (enterprise), macroeconomic (country, state) and megaeconomic (world community). The connection between all levels and their positive impact not only on competitiveness, but also much more broadly on the well-being of the individual, the stability of the organization and the wealth of society as a whole.

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-75
Author(s):  
Alex Bertrams ◽  
Thomas H. Dyllick ◽  
Chris Englert ◽  
Ann Krispenz

AbstractSubjective vitality is a positive feeling of aliveness and energy, and it is a crucial aspect of well-being. The Subjective Vitality Scales (SVS) have been developed to measure subjective vitality both at the individual difference level and the state level in English-speaking samples. We translated the SVS into German (the SVS-G) and examined their psychometric properties. In Study 1 (N=260), we found that two correlated factors (Factor 1: individual difference level; Factor 2: state level) with five items each constituted a useful structure for the SVS-G. Moreover, the scores on the individual difference scale were more stable than the scores on the state scale. We also found partial evidence for the measurement invariance over a period of three weeks. Conforming to our expectations, Study 2 (N=296) revealed that the SVS-G scores were related to positive and negative affect but could still be distinguished from the affect variables. In line with previous findings, Study 3 (N=203) showed that SVS-G scores are related to well-being variables (happiness and joviality) and the perceived capacity to actively perform effortful tasks (attentiveness and capacity for self-control). Across all the studies, the SVS-G showed satisfying inner consistency, and the two consideration levels (individual differences vs. state) could be differentiated. The initial evidence suggests that overall, the SVS-G have good psychometric properties.


Author(s):  
Mohd Mahzan Awang ◽  
Jalal Deen Careemdeen

This study aims at identifying the level of social capital to improve soft skills among university students in Malaysia. Social capital construct based on Putnam's [1] social capital theory. Social capital in this research refers to students' participation in community-based activities and university's clubs. Soft skills construct included university students' communication, leadership, teamwork, continuous learning, critical thinking, ethics and professionalism, and entrepreneurship skills. This study is a survey research design using a questionnaire instrument for data collection. The sample was chosen randomly, participating in a total of 264 university students in Malaysia. The study used descriptive analyses such as mean, standard deviation, t-test, and Pearson Correlation to analyze the data. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 23 was used for the data analysis The findings of study demonstrated that the majority of university students had moderate levels of both constructs, namely social capital and soft skills. Results from this study revealed that there was no significant difference in social capital based on Gender. However, the results of the study found there is a significant difference in soft skills based on Gender. Accordingly,' it has been found that male students had a higher soft skill compared to female students. Correlation analysis demonstrated that there was a significant positive relationship between social capital and soft skills. Overall, this study suggests the importance of social capital towards soft skills development.


2022 ◽  
Vol 2 (11) ◽  
pp. 1532-1554
Author(s):  
Lilis Erna Yulianti

The virtual world is not a world without borders so we are free to do anything. But as in the real world that has norms, ethics and etiquette, in cyberspace also requires a netiquette. Netiquette as a healthy internet moral regulation is needed so that digital communication between netizens runs harmoniously and respect each other and away from conflict and deviant behavior so as to make the lives of netizens become more comfortable (comfort life). The implementation of netiket if done continuously in the long term will have a positive impact on netizens and their social environment. The positive impact for netizens towards strengthening their soft skills will form a generation of character, integrity, morality, having a healthy mentality, and getting appreciation from others who can be reinforcement for him to continue to do good to others. The positive impact on the environment makes interactions in the social environment healthier in more human communication patterns in their interaction patterns.In fact, there are still many disputes, violations and crimes that are implicated in social media and online media. For example: the rise of pornographic content, hate speech content, hoax issues, cyberbullying, insults, online fraud, digital sexual crimes, child trafficking, online prostitution, and various other cyber crimes. Based on the problems in the virtual world, the research entitled "Netiquette Strengthening Soft Skills Netizens for Generation of Character" aims to compare the phenomenon of ethical violations in social media and online media conducted by netizens associated with ethical guidelines in cyberspace (netiquette). This research uses qualitative methods with a literature review approach.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 22-29
Author(s):  
I Dewa Gde Satrya ◽  
Thomas Stefanus Kaihatu ◽  
Lexi Pranata

Traveling not only creates fun for tourists. Tourism activities are believed to also improving human resources ability. It is a significant aspect related to human resource capacity that soft skills ownership which can be trained to modern travellers through ecotourism activities. This descriptive qualitative study describes soft skills trained to tourists from among younger generation in ecotourism destinations. Statement of the problem in this research is what is the relevance between ecotourism and soft skill ownership? This study identifies soft skills trained in ecotourism activities that are interpersonal skills characterized by communication skills, like others, have empathy and concern, warm, forgiving, open, adaptive and self-control abilities. The interpersonal skills that are part of this soft skill are believed to be important and will help younger generation to succeed in living their lives.


2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 28-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.N. Tatarko

The results of meditational analysis role of outgroup social capital when testing the integration hypothesis are presented. We considered how acculturation strategies, individual social capital and subjective well-being of persons living in a multicultural environment are related. The sample included representatives of three ethnic groups, living in the Republic of Dagestan: Avars (N=105), Dargins (N=121), and Russians (N=100). We used a modified method of "resource generator" to study the individual social capital. Also we used a Russian version of Berry's method of assessing acculturation strategies and subjective well-being. The obtained empirical data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. We hypothesized that the choice of integration strategy does not only promote harmonious intergroup relationships, but also has positive effects on well-being on the individual level. Those who choose the integration strategy end up with stronger social capital that works as a protective factor against various negative life events, promoting the overall well-being. However, our hypothesis was supported with Russians only, with Avars and Dargins it was supported with some restrictions. The results of this study shed light onto the socio-psychological mechanisms of integration of ethnic groups in a multicultural region, where integration is closely linked with mutual help and support across the ethnic boundaries.


Nowadays, financial education in a developing country believed to be important as it affects the individual well-being, the national economic growth and the stability of financial markets. Supporting financial education conveys youth empowerment through increasing their income as entrepreneurs, managing their money (incomes, salaries or other benefits) through planning spending and savings, fostering financial inclusion through recognition of financial products, risk management and protection from asymmetric information. Albanians continue to be among people who love education and invest in professions that might enable them to make more money, but they have little or no opportunities to learn about managing their money. Today, almost 4 years after the approval of the National Strategy for Development and Integration (NSDI), this paper based on data analysis of young Albanians perceptions conclude that the national objective of “empowering youth” is considered over 60% unattained, affected also by an outdated strategy on education and on development of a supporting financial education for Albanian youngsters in particular. Government, regulators and private organizations must collaborate and invest in the financial education of youth, for the future will be the product of such efforts that are made today.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-Min Lian

<span lang="EN-US">Nowadays, in actual business world, corporate social responsibility (CSR) occupies an important place in doing business all over the world. The public commonly takes CSR as the necessary for businesses to make extra improvements to the well-being of society. De facto, it is difficult to find a specific definition of CSR. The purpose of this study is to carry out research on whether CSR has a significant relationship with organizational financial performance in terms of earnings per share (EPS) and annual return rate of individual stocks (RETURN), with a major target on quoted companies in Taiwan. In this study, we establish a multi-factor regression model to examine corporate value. The Taiwan Economic Journal (TEJ) database is used to explore the relevance. Empirical results show that: (1) Sales growth rate (SGR) has a positive impact on RETURN; (2) CSR and leverage (LEV) have a significantly correlation with EPS; (3) SGR and return on equity (ROE) have a significant relationship with RETURN; (4) CSR and ROE have a significantly correlation with EPS. Consequently, the EPS of the companies that implement CSRs are better than those that do not implement CSRs. However, the results do not indicate that the RETURN of the companies that implement CSRs are better than those that do not implement CSRs.</span>


2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-30
Author(s):  
Vojislav Ilić ◽  
Igor Novaković ◽  
Slobodan Cvetanović

During the last decade of the last century, the concept of capital in scientific literature has been significantly expanded. Namely, for decades, the belief that the category of capital includes only visible resources has been modified in terms of extending its comprehensiveness to intangible resources, such as human and social capital. Human capital encompasses knowledge, skills, competencies and characteristics embodied in the individual, which enable the creation of personal, social and economic well-being, while social capital represents the capital of cooperation, interaction, mutual trust and help. When it comes to education, the ability to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and competences is crucial for the economic and social progress of individual countries. Unlike physical capital that is completely tangible, human and social capital are intangible. Recent approaches, as components of human capital, in addition to education and the level of health status of the population, outline the characteristics of people and societies that have an impact on the effects of work, including factors of ability, motivation and culture, etc. Some experts extend the content of human capital to individual characteristics of people such as creativity, innovation, motivation, attitudes (about life, business, etc.), diligence, responsibility, perseverance, self-initiative, communication success, problem solving, critical thinking, self-study, flexibility and adaptability. The paper considers the contribution of education as one of the basic and absolutely indisputable component of human capital to the development of social capital. It has come to the conclusion that countries with high education of the population tend to become richer and to invest more and more resources in the development of their own processing system. Therefore, in current business conditions in the process of creating human capital, the importance of activities focused on lifelong education and professional development is especially important. Both types of capital are developing in close interdependence. The increase in human capital corresponds significantly to the development of social capital. On the contrary, social capital represents an essential premise of increasing the efficiency of human capital. Moreover, there is not a small number of authors who regard certain attributes of social capital as human capital components. Considering the contribution of education as a component of human capital to the development of social capital, it can be concluded that education does so because it helps young people to recognize their duties as members of society, promote civil and social engagement of people and influence human behavior. Citizens with higher education have a high degree of civic and social engagement. The educated people are much more involved in their communities and take practical steps to improve the welfare of communities in which they live contributing, among other things, to the development of social capital.


2011 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 475-481 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lea Pulkkinen ◽  
Anna-Liisa Lyyra ◽  
Katja Kokko

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of social capital assessed in early adulthood in linking self-control in childhood with psychological and social functioning in middle age. Data collected at ages 8, 27, and 42 years were based on the Jyväskylä Longitudinal Study of Personality and Social Development (159 females, 177 males). Self-control was assessed at age 8 using teacher ratings and peer nominations. Social capital at age 27 was operationalized in terms of the breadth of the individuals’ social network and the depth of their close relationships. Psychological functioning at age 42 was indicated by, for instance, psychological well-being, and social functioning was indicated by, for instance, aggression. Results showed for females, but not for males, that social capital partially mediated the link between self-control and psychological well-being, as well as the link between self-control and aggression. In females, higher self-control explained better psychological well-being and lower aggression both directly and indirectly via the breadth of the individual’s social network. In males, both childhood self-control and behavioral activity contributed to the breadth of their social network, which, in turn, contributed to the depth of their close relationships. Deeper relationships explained better psychological well-being and, marginally, lower aggression; male lower aggression was directly accounted for by childhood self-control.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Richa Chaudhary

PurposeThis study aims to examine whether, how, and when authentic leadership shapes followers' perceptions of meaningfulness at work. Using authentic leadership theory, we posit that authentic leadership leads to more favorable perceptions of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), which, in turn, results in enhanced experiences of meaningfulness at work. In addition to studying authentic leadership as a driver of CSR perceptions, and hence meaningfulness, we also examine if followers' attributions of self-centered motives to organizational engagement in CSR moderates the above relationship.Design/methodology/approachIn all, 368 employees from Indian IT industry participated in the survey. Data were analyzed using Process (Hayes 2013) in SPSS.FindingsResults supported the hypothesized moderated mediation model by revealing that attribution of self-centered motives undermines the positive impact of authentic leadership on CSR perceptions, and, subsequently, meaningfulness.Practical implicationsBy presenting CSR as a source of meaningfulness at work, this study establishes CSR as an important tool for fostering employee well-being. The internal corporate communication should emphasize how CSR activities of the organization represent core organizational values and organization’s genuine concern for the society.Originality/valueThe study adds to the leadership literature and integrates it with a divergent discipline of CSR by signifying the role of authentic leadership in the CSR process. By presenting a refined analysis of CSR in a developing country, this research expands the understanding of the expression of CSR in markets outside the developed core.


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