Role of Interpersonal Competencies in Academic Performance

  • Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Awan Department Peace and Conflict Studies, National Defense University [NDU], Islamabad, Pakistan
  • Dr. Rooh ul Amin University of Wah, Wah Cantt, Pakistan
  • Prof. Dr. Qadar Bakhsh Baloch Institute of Business Studies & Leadership, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Pakistan
Keywords: Interpersonal Competencies, Communication Skills, Group/Teamwork & Students’ Academic Performance

Abstract

This study aimed at examining the relationship between the role of interpersonal competencies and students’ academic performance in the education sector of Pakistan. Students of Public sector universities operating in Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan were considered the population for the research. A stratified random sampling method was adopted for the selection of the sample. A survey method based on a questionnaire was applied for the collection of data. Before the conduction of the field survey, the validity of questionnaires was confirmed through a pilot study followed by an expertise review. A total of 328 questionnaires were administered and responses were received from 261 with duly filled questionnaires. The collected data was analyzed through SPSS and LISREL software. Analysis included Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Regression Analysis. CFA model fitness was evaluated based on seven fit indices and the model was significant and well fitted. Regression analysis was undertaken to examine the association amongst dependent variables and independent variables. Regression analysis values depict a positive significant association among communication skills and students’ academic performance also show positive significant association among group/teamwork skills and students’ academic performance. Students’ findings were found consistent with previous studies conducted by (Latif 2006; Nasser, 2014; Nurmi, 2012; Korthagen, et al., 2014). The study recommended that at university level foundation course regarding the development of communication skills may be introduced to enhance the communication skills among students. It is also recommended that students may be engaged in interactive sessions for the development of their group/teamwork skills. The study further suggests that interactive seminars/workshops shall be arranged for students to exercise the importance of interpersonal competencies.

Published
2021-03-08