THE INFLUENCE OF SOFT SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAMS ON THE SOFT SKILL DEVELOPMENT OF SALES EMPLOYEES: A STUDY IN SAGAR, MADHYA PRADESH

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the influence of soft skills training programs on the soft skill development of sales employees in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh. The research methodology involved utilizing the theoretical framework proposed by Astin (1993) to examine the growth of learners' skills before and after the intervention. The study focused on 11 skill categories, including general knowledge, critical thinking, problem-solving, communication skills, leadership abilities, and job-related skills. The assessment of participants' soft skills was based on Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences, which categorized skills into various intelligences such as linguistic intelligence, bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, logical-mathematical intelligence, spatial intelligence, intrapersonal intelligence, and interpersonal intelligence. The analysis involved conducting T-test evaluations for different skill components. For linguistic ability, the results showed a significant improvement in participants' formal communication skills after the training program. There was a statistically significant difference between the mean pre-test scores and the mean post-test scores, indicating a positive impact on participants' language proficiency. Furthermore, the study found that there was no significant difference between the participants' overall linguistic ability as measured by the mean post-test scores and their delayed post-test scores, suggesting that the improvements in linguistic ability were sustained over time. These findings emphasize the effectiveness of the soft skills training program in enhancing employees' formal communication abilities and language proficiency. The implications of this study suggest that investing in soft skills training can have a positive influence on sales employees' soft skill development, leading to improved job performance and effectiveness in their roles. However, it is important to conduct further research to assess the impact of soft skills training on other skill categories and to evaluate the overall effectiveness of such programs in enhancing the soft skill development of sales employees in diverse contexts. Keywords: soft skills training, sales employees, soft skill development, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, Astin framework, multiple intelligences, linguistic intelligence, bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, logical-mathematical intelligence, spatial intelligence.