The Literature-Based Conceptual Framework for Integrating Soft and Hard Skills in Managerial Education
Keywords:
Managerial Education, soft skills, hard skills, integration framework, competency-based curriculumAbstract
The contemporary business landscape, characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA), demands managers who possess a holistic blend of technical proficiency (hard skills) and interpersonal abilities (soft skills). However, managerial education programs often treat these skill sets in isolation, leading to a competency gap in graduates. This study aims to address this gap by developing a comprehensive, literature-based conceptual framework for the effective integration of soft and hard skills within managerial education curricula. Employing a qualitative research design, this study conducts an extensive and systematic review of peer-reviewed journal articles, authoritative books, and seminal reports published between 2000 and 2023. The analysis synthesizes existing theories and empirical findings to identify core dimensions, pedagogical strategies, and contextual enablers for integration. The proposed framework delineates three interdependent pillars: (1) a curricular pillar advocating for transdisciplinary and experiential learning designs; (2) a pedagogical pillar emphasizing active, reflective, and technology-enhanced methods; and (3) a contextual pillar highlighting the role of institutional culture, industry collaboration, and assessment realignment. The discussion elucidates how these pillars interact to create a synergistic learning ecosystem that moves beyond additive models towards transformative integration. This framework offers a theoretically grounded guide for educators, curriculum designers, and policymakers to reconceptualize managerial education, thereby fostering the development of agile, empathetic, and technically competent leaders capable of navigating future organizational challenges.
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