A Critical Review of Graduate Employability Skills in Modern Higher Education: Emphasizing the Saudi Arabian Context

Abstract

This study aims to review the literature related to the concept of employability and employability skills among business graduates, focusing on the Saudi Arabian context and comparing it with international contexts, particularly in developed and developing countries. This review is set against the backdrop of growing global interest in graduate employability as a key indicator of the efficiency and effectiveness of higher education institutions in preparing students for the labor market. The global labor market has undergone significant transformations over recent decades, resulting in increased demand for graduates who possess not only academic knowledge but also practical and behavioral skills that enable effective integration into contemporary work environments. Accordingly, higher education institutions are required to adopt educational and training strategies that enhance the readiness of their graduates for the labor market. The study is divided into several sections, beginning with the definition of employment and the concept of employability, addressing various perspectives of this concept, whether as a means of securing a job or as a set of attributes or achievements. The chapter also discusses graduate employability and the factors influencing it, with a focus on different contexts in developed countries, developing countries, and Saudi Arabia. The study concludes by identifying the research gap and clarifying the study’s objectives and research questions, paving the way for recommendations that will benefit future research.