The communication readiness paradox: bridging student self-perception and employer expectations in Taiwan

This study examines the perception gap between Taiwanese university students and employers regarding communication skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing). Using survey data from 80 undergraduate students and 11 employers from Central Taiwan, we identify a critical misalignment: students prioritize speaking and undervalue listening, while employers overwhelmingly prioritize listening. Drawing on framework, findings reveal that standardized testing (TOEIC) and AI adoption distort students’ skill prioritization. The study demonstrates urgent need for curriculum reform emphasizing authentic workplace scenarios, active listening, and interpersonal communication over traditional literacy metrics, informing both educational policy and industry talent development strategies.