Abstract Background: Soft describe career attributes that individuals should possess, such as team skills, communication skills, ethics, time-management skills, and an appreciation for diversity. In twenty-first century workforce, are important in every business sector. However, employers in business continuously report that new employees are deficient in these skills. The literature suggests that more research is needed in area of skills, to explore improved instructional methodologies that may be applied by business educators. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine Alabama business educators' perceptions of importance of for success in twenty-first century workforce. Method: Alabama business educators were surveyed to assess importance of specific and how these affect success in workforce. Results: A significant difference was found between perceived importance of how specific affect success in workforce and location of school (city, county). Respondents perceived all eleven included in this study to be very important (M = ≥ 4.95 on a 1-6 scale) to success in twenty-first century workforce. Conclusions: Alabama business educators consider to be important components of business/marketing education curriculum. Alabama business educators' perceptions of importance of transcend demographic factors. In addition, a hierarchy exists among Alabama business educators concerning importance of selected skills. Implications: This study provides information that should be utilized by business educators to improve of students entering workforce. Introduction The twenty-first century workforce has experienced tremendous changes due to advances in technology; consequently, old of doing things may be effective but not efficient (Redmann & Kotrlik, 2004). The National Business Education Association (NBEA) stated that shortage of confronting today's dynamic workforce goes beyond academic and hands-on occupational skills. Therefore, best way to prepare potential employees for tomorrow's workforce is to develop not only technical but also human-relation abilities (Policies Commission for Business and Economic Education [PCBEE], 2000). Perreault (2004) defined soft skills as personal qualities, attributes, or level of commitment of a person that set him or her apart from other individuals who may have similar and experience. James and James (2004) agreed that soft skills is a new way to describe a set of abilities or talents that an individual can bring to workplace. Soft characterize certain career attributes that individuals may possess such as team skills, communication skills, leadership skills, customer service skills, and problem solving (James & James). Employers Value Communication and Interpersonal Skills (2004) suggests that one who communicates effectively, gets along with others, embraces teamwork, takes initiative, and has a strong work ethic is considered to have an accomplished set of skills. Sutton (2002) found that are so important that employers identify them as the number one differentiator for job applicants in all types of industries (p. 40). According to Sutton, have become extremely important in all types of occupations. Glenn (2008) added that hiring individuals who possess is instrumental for high-performing organizations to retain a competitive edge. Wilhelm (2004) agreed and claimed that employers rate highest in importance for entry-level success in workplace. The literature supports conclusion that proficiency is important to potential employers. However, many employees in business are reported to be deficient in skills. Furthermore, literature revealed that research is needed in area of so that improved instructional methodology may be developed and applied by business educators. …
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