IT skills 'undervalued' by business leaders

A new survey has found that business leaders still do not adequately value computer skills.

According to the results of a study by Microsoft, while skills such as the ability to work as part of a team were regarded as core competences, a knowledge of IT was ranked seventh, reports the BBC.

Interpersonal skills were regarded highly by business leaders, suggesting that those looking for accountancy jobs need a number of different abilities.

"In almost every job now, people use software and work with information to enable their organisation to operate more effectively," said Bill Gates, chairman for Microsoft.

"One of the most important changes of the last 30 years is that digital technology has transformed almost everyone into an information worker," he added.

Microsoft's findings were based upon a study of 500 businesses located in the UK.

The ability to analyse and solve problems was regarded as the third most important skill.

Established in 1975, Microsoft's headquarters are located in Redmond, Washington.