Using scenarios for the development of personal communication competence in project management

Personal communication is one of the factors having high impact on the success of projects. This work aims studying the usefulness of the application of scenarios for development of personal communication competence. Based on literature review, and considering the professional experience of the researchers, three scenarios were developed and applied. The data collection process was carried out in two moments with 24 participants: during a three-hour training, with observation and a questionnaire to collect the participants’ perspective; after the application, through a focus group and narratives. The results suggest that, according to the participants, the scenarios enhance the development of personal communication competence, but also that it may depend on a good conceptual background support, and that learners demonstrate availability and openness to this type of approach. This exploratory study presents scenarios as an innovative approach to increase the knowledge related to the development of personal communication competence in project management.