Hidden Constructs on Graduate Employability Decisions: The Principal Component Factor

Abstract

This study adopted the quantitative research design to unearth hidden factors which go into graduate employability decisions. Purposive sampling technique was used to select graduates, institutions and industries within Takoradi, Cape Coast, Kumasi and Accra metropolis all in Ghana. Three different questionnaires inter-spaced with interviews were designed and used to collect data from the field according to a pre-determined stratified scheme. A total of 200 informants including 68 industries, 120 graduates and 12 institutions were used. The data was coded and keyed into SPSS version 20. Tables and Charts were used to explore the data. Principal component (PC) analysis was employed to extract hidden factors industries consider in graduate employability decisions. The PC method identified and extracted six hidden factors: ability to set SMART goals and structure actions; ability to demonstrate a willingness to embrace new systems, processes, technology and ideas; a determined, committed, resilient, and focused person; a person with passion for driving profit; ability to deconstruct a problem or situation; and clear and unprompted ability to present information to a group. These six hidden factors could explain 68.8% of the variances in graduate employability decisions. We recommend that internships be properly planned and executed with the involvement of industry players, facilitators of learning, and the ministry of trade and industries. In addition, facilitators should inculcate into students’ important traits and attributes identified in this study.