Non-technical competencies required for information technology professionals: how to effectively interact with clients/users

After considering reasons for developing the competencies of information technology (IT) professionals, some of their key non-technical competencies are identified and discussed. Focusing on competence in their communicative interactions, results are presented from a survey which was performed to identify specific components of competence in interaction with clients/users. A total of 150 traits was evaluated by 424 IT professionals. Four factors have been found to contribute to competence in interaction with clients/users: (1) work effectiveness ; (2) productive information exchange ; (3) agreeableness ; and (4) sales related characteristics. Results are interpreted in relation to the demands of the professional environment of IT personnel.

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