Soft skills and employment in honduras: a study of educational models and labor market demands

The study investigates the role of soft skills in the recruitment processes of companies within the logistics corridor of Honduras, focusing on the relationship between these skills and job placement success. Soft skills, often termed "non-cognitive skills," have gained prominence in higher education and the labor market, with an increasing emphasis on their importance for academic and professional success. Despite Honduras' slow adoption of competency-based education (MEBC) models, there is a growing recognition of their value in developing essential soft skills such as creativity, problem-solving, and interpersonal communication. Using a cross-sectional, descriptive-survey method, data were collected from companies involved in logistics, warehousing, and production. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA) were employed to assess the validity of key soft skills, including honesty, creativity, positive attitude, and confidence, alongside organizational support attributes. The study revealed significant correlations between these soft skills and recruitment outcomes, highlighting gaps in current human resource practices. The findings underscore the need for enhanced training and educational frameworks to bridge these gaps and better align with labor market demands. By addressing these shortcomings, Honduran educational institutions and employers can improve job placement rates and overall workforce effectiveness, contributing to the country's economic development. The study offers valuable insights into the critical role of soft skills in achieving sustainable employment and economic growth in Honduras.