Employers Perspective on Possession of Soft Skills by Graduate Employees in The Mining Industry in Ghana: Analysis of the Case of Gold Fields Ghana Limited, Tarkwa

Abstract

This study seeks to explore the perceptions of employers regarding the possession of soft skills by graduate employees in the Ghanaian mining industry, specifically focusing on Gold Fields Ghana Limited. The study aimed to delineate the soft skills employers expect from graduate employees, examine the employers’ perception of the soft skills proficiency of graduate employees, and examine the discrepancies between employers' expectations and their assessments of graduate employees' performance in the identified set of soft skills. A qualitative methodology was employed for this research using thematic analysis for data analysis. The results revealed a significant variability in the soft skills proficiency of graduate employees and a notable gap between their theoretical understanding of soft skills and their practical application in real-world scenarios. The study also revealed that employers prioritize a range of soft skills, with communication, teamwork and collaboration, problem-solving and critical thinking being the most crucial. The study identified four primary areas where employers perceive gaps between their expectations and actual performance of graduates: Communication in High-Pressure Situations, Application of Soft Skills in Mining Environment, Adaptability to Industry Demands and Ethical Decision-Making and Safety Culture.