An intervention study to investigate development centres as an avenue to improve the self-efficacy of university graduates
Year: 2020
Type: article
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: This study investigated development centres as a method to improve the generalised self-efficacy of university graduates.This research was motivated by the various challenges graduates face in order to successfully transition into the world of work.To reach employability, graduates face high unemployment rates, inequality, a slow growing economy, high employer expectations, and a skills mismatch, all of which impacts their self-efficacy, performance and motivation levels.The sample population for this research included Industrial Psychology graduates at a select university in the Western Cape, South Africa (n=17).A quasi-experimental methodology was implemented where an intervention group (n=7) and a control group (n=10) were taken through a development centre approach.The primary research objective was to identify whether the generalised self-efficacy of graduates can be positively affected by a development centre approach in the short-term and long-term.To determine the short-term effects of self-efficacy, the intervention group was taken through a pre-test questionnaire (i.e.self-efficacy questionnaire), an in-basket assessment, and a competency-based interview, followed by a post-test questionnaire (i.e.self-efficacy questionnaire).Similarly, the control group was asked to complete the pre-test questionnaire (i.e.self-efficacy questionnaire) on the same day as the intervention group.Thereafter, the long-term effect was tested by tasking both intervention and control groups to complete a post-test questionnaire (i.e.self-efficacy) three months after the initial intervention.The results of the intervention indicated that a development centre approach has a positive impact on self-efficacy levels over the short and medium term.Results from the study emphasises the importance of selfefficacy in graduate employability and indicate how development centres can be used to improve self-efficacy levels.The findings of this study provide a basis for future research into the further development of graduate self-efficacy and the potential benefits for first time job seekers.
Author: Melissa White
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3145770291