The
next generation of employees are computer-literate but lack good interpersonal
skills.
The
Future Generation Internet Survey, published by business advisors KPMG, reveals
that 17- and 18-year-olds think that computers are more important than
telephones when starting their careers.
Derek
McAllen, director of KPMG’s e-business centre of excellence, claims that recent
technological communication advances mean that while young people are
computer-literate they lack the more traditional face-to-face skills.
“The
increasing use of e-mail and the popularity of text messaging between mobile
phones by young people means that while they are more computer-friendly than
previous generations their interpersonal skills are not fully developed,”
explained McAllen.
“The
challenge for HR professions is twofold – an Internet strategy to attract the
best and a corporate strategy to retain the best. To do this they will have to
invest significantly in communication training courses.”
