Identifying Dimensions and Components of Employability based on the General Competency of Basic Sciences Students

Bazrafshan, Arezoo; Hamidifar, Fatemeh; GhiasiNodooshan, Saeed; Delgoshaei, Yalda; Minaei, Asghar

doi:10.22118/edc.2025.474715.2523

Identifying Dimensions and Components of Employability based on the General Competency of Basic Sciences Students

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

arezoo bazrafshan ¹

Fatemeh Hamidifar ¹

Saeed GhiasiNodooshan ²

Yalda Delgoshaei ¹

Asghar Minaei ³

¹ Department of Educational Management and Higher Education, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

² Department of Management and Educational Planning, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran

³ Department of Evaluation and Measurement, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran

10.22118/edc.2025.474715.2523

Abstract

Objectives: General competencies are valuable tools for enhancing employability and increasing the income of university graduates. Therefore, stakeholders should identify and classify employability skills based on specific characteristics, which will facilitate reforms in higher education processes. The purpose of this article is to identify the components of employability as defined by experts in the employment field, focusing on the general competence of students.
Materials and methods: This Qualitative research method, based on grounded theory, serves a practical purpose. Participants in this study included faculty members and managers from employment destination centers. We employed a purposeful and theoretical sampling method. To collect data, we conducted semi-structured interviews with experts until achieving to theoretical saturation. Finally, we coded the information using Maxquda Software and identified various indicators, dimensions and components.
Results: In this research, we identified seven dimensions of competency, including individual, innovation, environmental, specialized, managerial, organizational, and research, which are of great importance in empowering students.
Conclusion: Paying attention to education and strengthening the dimensions of students’ general competency can positively affect their employability and lead to employment.

Keywords

Employability

Dimensions of General Competency

Students and Graduates of Basic Sciences

Higher Education