Quantifying the “softer side” of management education: An example using teamwork competencies

Abstract

During the past 5 years, we have reexamined what we teach in management education, placing a much stronger emphasis on interpersonal skills than in the past. We must now reexamine how we teach these skills and demonstrate their value quantitatively. This article presents one method of quantifying the “softer side” of management education. It provides instruction and resources for educators and organizational professionals to administer, analyze, score, and provide quality feedback on virtually any competency area. The method is developmental in that it identifies individual, group, and organizational strengths and developmental opportunities. It is also an effective method of demonstrating the value of “soft skills” to students. © 2007, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.