Cross-functional skills of the fashion industry professional : T-shaped person skills framework for the fashion professional
Abstract
The fashion industry is experiencing rapid changes due to innovative technologies, complex globalization of the supply chain, and evolving consumer behaviors. Skill needs are also evolving, and organizations require professionals to have technical expertise and the ability to adapt quickly to the fast-paced environment. Employers have noted that fashion students are not fully prepared for the workforce, and educators have pledged to prepare students for the industry's future skill needs. While technical skills are often a focus in fashion and industry training, softer skills such as adaptability and collaboration are more challenging to define with regards to the industry's needs and teaching opportunities. Those skills that are non-technical are often referred to as cross-functional skills. However, a clear definition of 'cross-functional skills' in terms of fashion worker aptitudes seems to be lacking. Establishing this definition is the first step to identifying the industry's current and future skill needs. Articles and other findings have explored fashion skill needs. However, there is a gap in the research for a theoretical framework to support the technical and cross-functional skills required of professionals to meet job expectations and organizational objectives. With the CF skill definition established, a content analysis and empirical study of skills required by the industry leads to the proposal of the T-shaped person skills framework for the fashion professional.
Degree
M.S.