21st Century Skills in the Workplace: An analysis of a small-range Graphic Communications business

Abstract

In an age of media literacy and constant technological change, the skills needed to perform job duties are transforming. Skills for the 21st century have long been researched by organizations and researchers to create a foundation for 21st century learning. The purpose of this quantitative descriptive research study utilizing a survey as data collection method was to analyze department managers and supervisors’ perceptions of 21st century skill needed of their employees from a small-scale manufacturer within the graphic communication industry in Wisconsin. For this study, six 21st century skills frameworks and six research studies were adopted to identify twelve 21st century skills to be used for this research: [in no order] Critical thinking, problem solving, information technology application, creativity/innovation, teamwork, collaboration, achievement, diverse leadership, oral communication, written communication, and professionalism/work ethic. From results, professionalism/work ethics, collaboration, and teamwork were the top three skills supervisors and managers perceive their employees possess. Critical thinking, teamwork, problem solving, and creativity/innovation are skills managers and supervisors are seeking from their employees. Generally, managers and supervisors within this graphic communications manufacturer are seeking 21st century skillsets required to perform entry- to mid-level tasks. Further studies should be taken on a larger population with adoption of similar 21st century skills, or specific 21st century skills framework by discipline.