Perceptions of graduate employability for green multinationals operating in China
Date
2022
Authors
Taghian, M.
D'Souza, C.
McCormack, S.
Kappelides, P.
Sithole, N.
Fuller, R.
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Nguyen, N.
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Book chapter
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Source details - Title: Environmental Sustainability in Emerging Markets, 2022 / Nguyen, N. (ed./s), vol.Part F174, Ch.8, pp.177-196
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Abstract
The present research investigates green multinational firms’ perceptions of Chinese graduates’ employability. China’s strong economic growth has increased demand for new talent and heightened attention on graduate employability skills. In addition to desirable ‘hard skills’ (e.g., technical expertise and knowledge), recruiters are increasingly looking at ‘soft skills’ (e.g., the personal attributes, social skills, and sustainability principles that are needed for graduates to interact effectively and productively with others). Research has shown that implementing a training program for directors will improve their sustainability skills set. A survey design was used to collect data from green multinational firms operating in China (N = 229). Since the study was exploratory in nature, factor analysis and descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. The findings revealed eight essential graduate employability soft skills also required for the sustainability of the MNCs: (1) perceptual and mental strengths; (2) creativity; (3) teamwork; (4) communication and presentation; (5) leadership; (6) commitment; (7) problem-solving; and (8) numeracy. Sustainability skills were also seen as an imperative. Rather than being ranked, these characteristics are essential together. This study has implications for higher education providers and green firms alike in terms of how to redesign courses that incorporate these criteria, and how to make graduates more effective in their jobs
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Copyright 2022 S[ringer