IDENTIFYING THE GENERIC SKILLS AMONGST MALAYSIAN UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS: AN ANALYSIS OF GENDER DIFFERENCES

Abstract

This paper discusses the generic skills acquired by Malaysian undergraduate students in general and it further explores the differences between genders. A sample of 460 undergraduate students from three public universities in Malaysia was surveyed using an inventory of 54 items. Descriptive statistics such as, t–test and discriminant analysis were employed in analyzing the data. The study found that the undergraduate students generally tend to respond positively to most of the components in prescribed generic skills. Eventhough the sample of female undergraduate students was higher than male undergraduate students, it seemed that the male undergraduate students tended to rate their own abilities higher in almost all skills. Computer skills and communications skills were effective differentiators in explaining genders differences. The research has brought meaningful implications for undergraduate students, employers and policy makers.