Soft Skills and Generative AI

This project investigates the role of soft skills in enhancing the performance of small business entrepreneurs. Contemporary approaches to identify and support such businesses tend to rely on administrative data, which is especially likely to overlook the nuanced influences of soft skills—such as effort, social ability, and curiosity—on business success. Our preliminary work indicates that a nuanced evaluation of these soft skills is essential for identifying entrepreneurs whose potential may be underestimated by conventional metrics. Partnering with a prominent tech platform that serves millions of micro and small businesses in Southeast Asia, we propose a two-phase study. Initially, we will conduct a broad survey to identify the soft skill dimensions that vary most among entrepreneurs. This will be followed by a targeted intervention where a generative AI business assistant is tailored to the needs of the entrepreneur based on these soft skills assessments. Ultimately, our work aims to inform more inclusive policies and support mechanisms for entrepreneurs in low- and middle-income countries.