DEVELOPING SOFT SKILLS OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION STUDENTS FACULTY OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES BURIRAM RAJABHAT UNIVERSITY

Abstract

Abstract

The objectives of this research were 1) to investigate the soft skill proficiency levels of Public Administration students at Buriram Rajabhat University 2) to compare these proficiency levels classified by gender and academic year and 3) to explore guidelines for soft skill development across five key dimensions self-awareness,       self-regulation, self-motivation, empathy, and social skills. The research sample consisted of 301 undergraduate students from the first to the third year of study.      The research instrument was a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.98 Data were analyzed using percentage, mean, and standard deviation.

          The research findings revealed that the overall soft skills level of Public Administration students at Buriram Rajabhat University was at a high level. When considering each dimension, the highest mean was found in self-regulation, which was at the highest level. This was followed by self-motivation, empathy, and self-awareness, respectively, while the dimension with the lowest mean was social skills. The comparison of soft skill levels among Public Administration students at Buriram Rajabhat University, classified by gender and academic year, showed statistically significant differences at the .05 level.

          Additional Recommendations The institution should promote decision-making activities to maintain the standards of self-regulation. Simultaneously, workshops on rhetoric should be organized to develop social skills. Furthermore, regular self-potential assessments should be supported in accordance with gender and academic year differences to increase efficiency in living and interacting with others.

Keywords : Soft Skills; Public Administration; Emotional Intelligence; Social Skills