Impact of Community Service on the Communication skills of Business Graduates

Abstract

Introduction: This research aims to investigate the impact of community service on the communication skills of business graduates. Community service involves voluntary work aimed at assisting people in specific situations. The study focuses on business students with prior community service experience from a private-sector business school. Engaging in community service not only improved communication skills but also fostered interpersonal development, enhancing social, ethical, and productivity attributes, making graduates more competent for potential employment opportunities. Methodology: The research employed a quantitative approach, utilizing self-administered questionnaires to collect data from business students with prior community service experience. Two questionnaires were designed based on literature review findings, capturing perspectives from both students and organizations. Close-ended questions facilitated data analysis. Questionnaire 1 targeted 100 respondents, while Questionnaire 2 targeted 50. Data analysis focused on identifying the impact of community service on communication skills enhancement among business graduates. Results/Findings: Analysis of the collected data revealed a significant positive impact of community service on the communication skills of business graduates. Both questionnaires indicated that engagement in community service led to enhanced communication skills, interpersonal development, and increased social, ethical, and productivity attributes among graduates. Future Direction: Future research could explore the long-term effects of community service on the career trajectories and success of business graduates. Additionally, qualitative studies could provide deeper insights into the mechanisms through which community service influences communication skills development and overall professional competencies among graduates. Furthermore, comparative studies across different educational institutions and industries could offer broader perspectives on the role of community service in enhancing graduate employability and workplace readiness.