Understanding and managing employability in changing career contexts

Abstract

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of employability as it has evolved over time and to propose a new definition which reflects the critical variables that contribute to employability at an individual level. It also offers suggestions for how to manage employability and careers at both an individual and an organisational level. Design/methodology/approach -The paper reviews the literature on employability. It considers why employability has become a topic of interest, examines how the concept has evolved over time, and seeks to develop a working definition. It suggests a range of practical strategies for individual and organisations to ensure that employability is managed successfully. Findings -Employability is as dependent on context as on the individual. Therefore the current emphasis on individual responsibility for employability needs to be re-examined and a greater emphasis placed on how organisations can support employees to manage careers and employability. This shift in emphasis will benefit organisations by creating a more employable labour force as well as contributing to attraction and retention within an increasingly tight labour market. Originality/value -This paper challenges current definitions of employability by focusing on contextual factors as well as individual characteristics. It suggests a new definition and a range of strategies for managing employability within current career and labour market contexts.

A systematic review of current understandings of employability

“…The current approach to this assessment has been referred to as subverting the operationalisation process, failing to first define the construct of employability and identifying its components before offering recommendations as to their relevant indicators (Harvey, 2001). This sentiment is supported by Clarke (2008) who argues that a theoretical framework is essential for the effective evaluation of employability. This situation suggests that there is merit to a clearer discussion of components playing out in employability.…”

Graduate Employability: A Review of Conceptual and Empirical Themes

“…Individuals have to flexibly adapt to a job market that places increasing expectation and demands on them; in short, they need to continually maintain their employability. As Clarke (2008) illustrates, the employability discourse reflects the increasing onus on individual employees to continually build up their repositories of knowledge and skills in an era when their career progression is less anchored around single organisations and specific job types. In effect, individuals can no longer rely on their existing educational and labour market profiles for shaping their longer-term career progression.…”

Assessing Communication Apprehension And Implication For Employability Among Mass Communication Students

“…Employability does not rely only on individual attributes, context, work environment, and other variables determine individual's employability. For this reason it is the collective responsibility of all stake holders to contribute towards its development (Clarke, 2008). Modern worklife requires employability due to its complexities and lack of job security (Nilsson, 2010).…”