| Chapter 1: | Introduction |
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Chapter 1
Introduction
This book examines if competency standards can be designed for the assessment and training of personal and interpersonal skills. Often called soft skills, there is frequent demand for their development in the workplace and elsewhere. Repeated calls may be found in recent international and Australian publications and reports (e.g., Business Council of Australia and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry [BCA & ACCI], 2002; Connell, 1998; Conrad, 1999; DeSeCo, 2002a, Goleman, 1998; Karpin, 1995; Mayer Report, 1992; Rychen, 2003; Spencer, 2001; Tuxworth, 1989. This is to name a few).
The emphasis given to such skills is well illustrated in the following comments. Curtis and McKenzie (2001) wrote,
Changing patterns of economic competition and forms of work organisation have led to a greater emphasis on what are sometimes called “soft” skills—the personal attributes of teamwork, a work ethic, and a preparedness to be flexible and to embrace change. (p. x)