Original Research
Navigating on the precursors of work readiness amongst students in Johannesburg, South Africa
Submitted: 18 January 2020 | Published: 30 November 2020
About the author(s)
Khensani Magagula, Regenesys Business School, Johannesburg, South AfricaEugine T. Maziriri, Department of Business Management, Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Musawenkosi D. Saurombe, Department of Industrial Psychology, Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Abstract
Orientation: Research has been conducted regarding work readiness in a various contexts. However, there are deficiencies in studies that have focused on the precursors of work readiness in an African context.
Research purpose: The primary objective of this study was to determine the impact of career self-efficacy (CSE), career exploration (CE) and self-perceived employability (SPE) on work readiness (WR) of students in the South African context, particularly in the Gauteng Province.
Motivation for the study: There is an unequivocal gap between what educational institutions teach as well as what the South African labour market requires, highlighting a misalignment and one of many reasons graduates struggle to find work.
Research approach/design and method: To close the research gap, the current study used a quantitative approach using the cross-sectional survey research design. A structured questionnaire was administered to 254 randomly selected students. The collected data were analysed using structural equation modelling.
Main findings: The hypotheses testing results revealed that the WR was influenced significantly and positively by CSE, CE and SPE.
Practical/managerial implications: The present research provides implications from which managers of institutions of higher learning can benefit. For instance, ensuring that experiential learning is involved in all the programmes. This will be more advantageous to students who would like to evaluate themselves to determine if they are work ready.
Contribution/value-add: This study adds fresh understanding regarding the precursors that stimulate work readiness among students in a South African context.
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Crossref Citations
1. “Still haven't found what I am looking for”: rural black students' perceived work readiness and assessment of labor market access
Tinashe Harry, Willie Tafadzwa Chinyamurindi
Education + Training vol: 64 issue: 2 first page: 276 year: 2022
doi: 10.1108/ET-10-2021-0387