Remote education and the development of selected social competencies in future manager

Abstract

PURPOSE: The aim was to indicate how distance learning affects the development of social competences important for managers. We present the results of research, which refer to communication and self-presentation.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The technique of non-standardised written statements was used to analyse the statements of 200 management students.

FINDINGS: Remote learning at faculties that are intrinsically related to working with other people, such as management, seemed to present a big risk for the development of social competencies in students. However, the analyses herein described show that the situation is not so unambiguous. Even if students notice problems with developing certain dimensions of their competencies in this area, they are still capable of detecting some other elements that actually benefit from this form of education. They point out as well that ‘in a post-covid era’ social competencies required from managers will differ from before, accounting for factors such as remote work.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The analysis of young people's opinions made it possible to formulate recommendations how institutions and educators can develop social competences during remote learning (so that managers can better perform in their future careers). We are talking here about introductory activities, initiating group processes in a team working online, or constant activation of participants by the leaders. On the institutional side, this, in turn, requires reforming the approach to remote classes, considering their social specificity and special requirements and adapting educational programs to them.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The article presents the original results of qualitative research relating to the possibility of remotely developing social competencies of the future manager.