Article 2024

Understanding viewpoints of employability: an ecological systems theory analysis based on three stakeholder groups

CD
Conroy, Dominic
 BC
Benson, Cherry
 TN
Thapar, Neelam
 AV
Airth, Vanessa
 CN
Codesal, Nils Perez
International Journal for Educational and Vocational Guidance
Journal
Abstract

Employability is key for higher education institutions (HEIs) yet research on stakeholder viewpoints of employability is limited. We explored views of employability among learner, teacher and careers and employability practitioner stakeholder groups. Interview transcript data was thematically analysed and organised within an ecological systems theory (EST) framework. Findings underscored the importance of plural definitions, burdens linked to ‘embedding’ employability within HEI curricula, the close links between employability and neoliberalism and ethical issues pertaining to citizenship and social responsibility around embedding employability. Findings underscore the need for HEIs to cultivate plural and ethical discussions of employability involving key stakeholders. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2024.

Keywords

Author Keywords

Higher education employability ecological systems theory stakeholders Viewpoints

Index Keywords

Author Affiliations
London Metropolitan University, London, United Kingdom
Graduate Success), London Metropolitan University, London, United Kingdom
National Student Pride (Podcast Editor), London, United Kingdom
Funding & Acknowledgements
No funding information
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