Department

Organization Development

Date of Paper/Work

2018

Degree Name

Doctor of Education in Organization Development (Ed.D.)

Type of Paper/Work

Dissertation

Advisors

David Jamieson, Jean Davidson, Mark Salisbury

Abstract

This mixed methods research study sought to measure Use of Self-competency in undergraduate students at a single university in Minnesota. First, the researcher developed the Use of Self Questionnaire (Use of Self Questionnaire) to measure an individual’s Use of Self-competency. Second, quantitative data was collected via Use of Self Questionnaire from 563 respondents and qualitative data was obtained via five individual interviews. Quantitative results and qualitative findings evidence a relatively high level of Use of Self-competency among the undergraduate population studied; high Use of Self-Competency theoretically leads to increased proficiency in soft skills, specifically interpersonal communication. Based on this study’s specific population, additional potential determinants of higher levels of Use of Self-competency include gender, experiential learning outside the classroom, and at-home care during one’s early childhood development.

Keywords

use of self, soft skills, applied skills, undergraduate education, interpersonal skills

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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