University Students’ Attitudes to Soft Skills in Business Communication Training

Abstract

Nowadays learning Russian in business communication is a major part of vocational education and training and within this academic subject it is possible for university students to develop soft skills. This research examined the formation, development and application of a universal set of soft skills to help graduates adapt to the modern labor market. The study was conducted with 196 first-year students in the Vladivostok State University of Economics and Service. A subjective scale technique was applied using a survey-questionnaire. The data were processed using systematization and generalization methods. The results showed that subjective attitudes to the application of soft skills were developed in students studying Business Russian. The building of soft skills helps students use knowledge in practice and to increase their motivation for personal professional growth and development. The research revealed that 21 out of 24 declared soft skills are actively formed in students in the course of teaching. In addition, the analysis gave an objective view of the abilities, interests and tendencies of each student. This information is necessary to improve the educational process. The results of the research play an important role in the development of the theory of competence model of successful modern graduates. The research results can be used by universities to develop and improve working curricula in accordance with the requirements of new educational standards.