Comparing graduate employability between two different countries

Abstract

Purpose: This paper compares employability skill sets as perceived in South Africa and Greece—two countries with different educational backgrounds and economic contexts. Design/Methodology/Approach: A literature review on employability skills is followed by a survey examining skills and motivation to identify similarities and differences between the two countries. Findings: South African respondents had lower mean scores for intrinsic motivation than Greek participants. Significant differences were noted in achievement, responsibility, and growth opportunities. Findings suggest that employability skills have a global dimension, while country-specific factors influence perceptions of motivation and other skills. Research Limitations/Implications: The study’s sample size was relatively small. Higher education institutions (HEIs) should enhance graduates’ motivational skills, while recruiters should engage in continuous dialogue with HEIs and other stakeholders to strengthen employability training. Originality/Value: This paper makes three contributions: (1) expanding literature on internships as tools for employment readiness, (2) highlighting motivation as a key factor in employability skill development, and (3) providing evidence of differing perceptions between students in a developed and a developing country.