Trends in Entry-Level Technology, Interpersonal, and Basic Communication Job Skills: 1992-1998
http://baywood.metapress.com/link.asp?target=contribution&id=BYNGBDRBK9ANEKR8
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  peer-reviewed

Bryans North, Alexa and William E. Worth
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
2000

Abstract:

This longitudinal study was conducted to identify trends in entry-level technology, interpersonal, and basic communication competencies and skills using entry-level classified newspaper advertisements from ten standard U.S. metropolitan statistical areas. Two competencies and one skill were selected from the Workplace Know-How's identified by the 1991 U.S. Department of Labor Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS). Specifically, ads including interpersonal competencies increased for the fourth consecutive year; ads including basic communication skills increased for the second consecutive year. Ads including technology competencies decreased slightly; however, the overall trend for technology remains strong. Therefore, the workplace continues seeking the competencies and skills advocated by the SCANS authors.