The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore how business management associate degree students attending a university in Independence, Ohio, valued and applied interpersonal skills in work and classroom settings. The central research issue addressed in this case study was to explore and describe the personal views, instances, and perspectives from respondents on the effects of interpersonal skills in employee relationships, manager relationships, organizational performance, and effective leadership. The research questions that produced an in-depth examination of the central research issue included: 1) What ways have students applied interpersonal skills in employee relationships? 2) What manner have students applied interpersonal skills in manager relationships? 3) What ways have interpersonal skills influenced the student organization’s performance? 4) What are the student’s perceptions of interpersonal skills to become an effective leader? Using NVivo 9, the data analysis aided in identifying common themes. The findings from the case study build on existing research involving the influence interpersonal skills have on the central research issue.

Recommendations from the case study highlighted a constant need to instruct interpersonal skills in universities and to review current curriculum and course materials to improve instruction. Universities with new faculty orientations, faculty development workshops, new student orientations, for-profit, and nonprofit institutions can benefit from implementing interpersonal skills training. This case study builds on the body of knowledge on interpersonal skills and its influence on productivity and leadership in the workplace.