Conflict Between Soft Skills &Technical Skills

Discuss about the article ‘Whose skill is it anyway? Soft’ skills and polarization’ written by Irena Grugulis and Steven Vincent (Grugulis and Vincent 2009).  

 

 

Introduction:

The following report has concentrated on an article called ‘Whose skill is it anyway? ‘Soft’ skills and polarization’ written by Irena Grugulis and Steven Vincent (Grugulis and Vincent 2009). Different aspects of the article have been discussed in this report.

Analysis:

Focus: In the article ‘Whose skill is it anyway? ‘Soft’ skills and polarization’, the writers have mainly concentrated on the skills that employers are looking for while recruiting employees in the organization. It has focused on the large business organization and analysed the recruitment process of the organization. It has mainly discussed about two basic skills on which employers focus, soft skills and technical skills (Grugulis and Vincent 2009).

Problem: The main issue that has been discussed in the previously mentioned article is the preference of the recruiters is shifting from the soft skills to technical skills. According to the writers of the article, in recent time recruiters of the business organizations focuses more on the technical skills instead of the soft skills. The researchers have concentrated on exploring the reasons behind such practices (Grugulis and Vincent 2009).

Key Ideas and Arguments:

As per the article, in recent time, the employers concentrate on the technical skills of the employees while appointing them in any post. It helps skilled and talented employees to be appreciated by the authority. The writers claim that such practices mainly occur in the public sector. The competitive nature of the market has been increased drastically in past few years. It has led the organizational leaders to appoint some skilled and talented employees who have technical idea in the respective field. According to the report, the change in the nature of skill is the main reason for such practices. The report claims that, now a days skills include the capacity of team work, motivational power, judgement, leadership capabilities and so on. It has motivated employers to look for such employees that can stimulate the organizational performance by their technical skills. The report claims that there are some key issues with the soft skills, as it may influences discrimination in the workplace. The writers have resented some examples of such workplaces where such discrimination occurs, such as- in call centres male employees are expected to meet their sales target whereas female employees are expected to perform in a significant manner. The study has provided some examples of renowned and large business organizations where soft skills are emphasised. The article has tended to distinguish between the soft skills and technical skills (Grugulis and Vincent 2009).

Issues:

Issues that must be enlightened from the study is that soft skills are mainly used in the case of women. They are allotted such tasks or such sections that suit their skills. However, the study has highlighted that it cannot enhance their position or reputation in the workplace. It will always distinguish them from other workers.

Conclusion:

As per the discussion, it can be concluded that there is a conflict between soft skills and technical skills. Employers are now a days looking for technical skills instead of soft skills as it will be beneficial for the future of their organization.

References:

Grugulis, I. and Vincent, S., 2009. Whose skill is it anyway? ‘soft’skills and polarization. Work, employment and society, 23(4), pp.597-615.