Coetzee, PhilnaDu Plessis, Annelize2021-08-302021-08-302021-04Coetzee P, du Plessis A. Face-to-face soft skills for entry-level internal auditors: A practice perspective. Industry and Higher Education. 2021;35(2):125-136. doi:10.1177/0950422220932728.0950-4222 (print)2043-6858 (online)10.1177/0950422220932728http://hdl.handle.net/2263/81533Practising internal auditors, including entry-level internal auditors, need face-to-face soft skills to effectively manage the increased complexity of their profession. Although many studies have highlighted the need for soft skills, none has identified the various categories of face-to-face soft skills required by entry-level internal auditors when interacting with stakeholders. The aim of this article is to determine the views of practising internal auditors on the face-to-face soft skills required by entry-level internal auditors. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was used for the study. Two data collection methods were employed to address the research objective. First, a document analysis was conducted to compile a preliminary list of face-to-face soft skills categories. In this regard inductive thematic analysis was adopted. Second, a web-based survey, conducted among selected practising internal auditors in South Africa, confirmed the preliminary list of 21 face-to-face soft skills. Cronbach’s alpha statistics were calculated and interpreted for responses to all Likert-scale questions. The findings indicate that both practitioners and the Institute of Internal Auditors should augment the existing list of imprecise soft skills to include the identified 21 face-to-face soft skills. If this is done, entry-level internal auditors’ face-to-face soft skills will be enhanced.en© 2020, The Author(s) 2020Entry-level internal auditorsFace-to-face soft skillsPractising internal auditorsResource-based theorySDG-04: Quality educationSDG-08: Decent work and economic growthEconomic and management sciences articles SDG-04Economic and management sciences articles SDG-08Postprint Article