Factors influencing work readiness of graduates : an exploratory study
Date
2014-12
Authors
Mashigo, Anneline Carol Lindiwe
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The world of work is increasingly changing, and to keep up with the changes, organisations are recruiting recent graduates with the aim of facilitating growth and continual improvement. The challenge is that these graduates do not necessarily possess the kind of competencies required to survive in the work environment. There are many challenges in the work environment that can affect the performance of graduates, and this requires certain competencies which graduates rarely possess. On the basis of the literature overview it is proposed that EI, SOC and PsyCap could contribute to strengthening graduates’ personal resources and contribute to their work readiness and ultimately their performance in the work environment.
The aim of this study was to explore the relationships between emotional intelligence (EI), psychological capital (PsyCap), sense of coherence (SOC) and the work readiness (WR) of graduates. The main argument of this study was that the personal resources of EI, SOC and PsyCap may make meaningful contributions to the work readiness of graduates and subsequently their performance in the work environment. The existence of relationships between these variables was statistically investigated and the necessary conclusions were drawn.
A sample of 183 participants was drawn from two universities in Africa. Participants completed existing reliable and valid instruments measuring EI, SOC and PsyCap. WR was measured using the recently developed WRS. Correlational analysis was undertaken to determine the relationships between EI, SOC, PsyCap and WR. Multiple regression analysis was undertaken to determine whether the independent variables (EI, SOC and PsyCap) contribute to WR. Results revealed significant positive relationships between several subscales of EI, PsyCap and the subscales of WR, more specifically with organisational acumen and work competence. Very low correlations and insignificant correlations were found between SOC and the subscales of WR. The multiple regression analysis revealed comprehensibility as the best predictor for personal work characteristics; emotional reasoning, emotional expression and optimism as best predictors for organisational acumen; efficacy and emotional self management as best predictors for work competence and efficacy as the best predictor for social intelligence. The conclusion that was drawn from this study was that EI and PsyCap contribute to WR, more specifically to organisational acumen and work competence.
Description
Thesis (MComm)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.
Keywords
UCTD, Dissertations -- Industrial psychology, Theses -- Industrial psychology, College graduates -- Employment -- South Africa, Work readiness -- South Africa