Thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Management Universiti Teknologi Brunei The recent years have seen a notable increase in the number of studies examining the concept of graduate employability. This phenomenon can be attributed to various socio-economic factors, including the widespread expansion of higher education institutions, a high unemployment rate, a scarcity of job opportunity, and an intensely competitive labour market. This phenomenon has prompted numerous scholars to engage in discussion on factors that impact the employability of graduates. The factors that have been identified thus far primarily centre around antecedents such as communication skills, teamwork, problem-solving abilities, academic achievements, and leadership qualities, to name a few. However, the acquisition of personal factors such as grit and psychological capital resources received less emphasis. In order to address the existing research gap, the primary objective of this study is to investigate the influence of grit on graduate employability. Moreover, given the lack of prior research on the specific mechanism through which grit affects graduate employability, this study also examines the mediating role of psychological capital resources, including hope, self-efficacy, resilience, and optimism, between grit and graduate employability. This perspective aligns with human capital theory, which suggests that individuals can improve their labour performance by acquiring resources such as personal qualities. The present study utilises an online survey as a means of data collection, with a total of 325 graduates participating. The current investigation uses partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) analysis to examine the data collected in this study. The results of the study revealed a statistically significant relationship between grit and graduate employability. As for the indirect effect, it was found that only hope played a significant mediating role in the relationship between grit and graduate employability. The results provide support for the significant impact of grit and hope as individual assets that may aid graduates in enhancing their prospects of securing employment. The findings derived from the current investigation make a novel addition to the existing body of knowledge, as they offer new empirical evidence in the literature. Additionally, this study makes a substantial contribution to practitioners, particularly graduates, by suggesting that they should consider investing in activities that have the potential to enhance their levels of grittiness and hopefulness. Likewise, universities can utilise the findings of this study to incorporate instructional approaches and design experiential learning opportunities that promote the development of grit and hope. Employers may also consider grit as a relevant criterion when employing a job candidate by employing appropriate methodologies. Moreover, the pivotal role of policymakers is essential in facilitating collaboration among all pertinent stakeholders to enhance the employability of graduates. Keywords: graduate employability, grit, psychological capital, human capital theory
Thesis (PHD) - Universiti Teknologi Brunei, 2022
Includes bibliographical references from page 155-212
Universiti Teknologi Brunei --Thesis Universiti Teknologi Brunei --Final Year Report
Employability Graduates--Employment Psychological capital