HARD SKILLS AND SOFT SKILLS IN CONTEMPORARY LEADERSHIP: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF SUBORDINATES: UMA ANÁLISE COMPARATIVA SOB A PERSPECTIVA DOS LIDERADOS

Abstract

This article analyzes the performance of contemporary leadership, focusing on the possible predominance of hard skills compared to soft skills, discussing the impacts of this eventual imbalance on team dynamics and organizational results. It is assumed that the current corporate environment, marked by constant changes, in addition to competitiveness, requires from leaders not only technical mastery to conduct processes and make decisions, but also interpersonal skills capable of promoting engagement, motivation, effective communication and adequate conflict resolution. The objective of the study was to identify whether there is a balance between hard and soft skills in the exercise of leadership, under the perception of the subordinates. To achieve this purpose, an applied research was adopted, as well as with a quantitative approach, carried out through the application, to employees of different organizations and positions of activity, of a structured questionnaire composed of twelve objective questions, as well as closed questions, related to the technical knowledge of leaders and behavioral skills related to people management. The results indicated a positive perception of the leaders' hard skills, while the soft skills presented more heterogeneous evaluations among the respondents. From this study, it can be understood that, although hard skills are widely perceived, there are still gaps in the development of soft skills, revealing a partial imbalance between these competencies and reinforcing the need for organizational investments in structured leadership development programs, capable of integrating, in a balanced way, hard and soft skills.