| The problem of this study was to identify and compare business core competencies needed for success by community college business graduates in various business environments and ascertain the degree of importance attached to competencies by business managers and community college business division chairpersons. This study further sought to determine which identified business core competencies business managers found lacking in community college business graduates.; A list of 26 competencies with definitions was validated by a group of business managers. Business managers from the Administrative Management Society and business division chairpersons were asked to rate each competency according to its relative importance to community college business graduates. The samples consisted of 230 managers from the Administrative Management Society in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania and business division chairpersons from 61 community colleges in the same states.; Based on the findings of this study, the following major conclusions were made: (1) The one most important business core competency for community college business graduates as perceived by business managers and community college business division chairpersons is the ability to follow written and oral instructions. (2) There are at least 26 business core competencies needed in varing degrees by community college business graduates; these relate to communicating, problem solving, understanding personal and interpersonal skills, and understanding specialty skills. (3) Of the 26 validated business core competencies, listening skills, oral and written communication skills, ability to follow written and oral instructions, and an understanding of the flow of communication are the most important. (4) More than 60% of business managers find written communication skills lacking in community college business graduates; almost 50% find listening skills and time management skills lacking. (5) The demographic variables of education and experience and the variable type of company have little effect on how business managers rate business core competencies. |
