Graduate work-readiness in Asia Pacific economies: A review of the literature

This chapter provides an overview of the relevant literature on the challenges faced by many Asia Pacific nations with respect to graduate ‘work-readiness’ in their labour markets, and their impacts on future economic growth and social development strategies. It was compiled from a thorough exploration of global and regional scholarly articles on ‘work-readiness’, together with recent industry, media and consultant reports. It begins with a brief exploration of the demographic and socio-economic contexts of the regional countries included in this book, followed by a discussion of the nature, extent and causes of the work-readiness challenges across the region, with a specific focus on graduate capabilities. It presents several explanations and models of work-readiness, together with a discussion of stakeholder theory as an analytical framework for an examination of the key players associated with its antecedents and consequences. Finally, a range of actual and potential strategies and solutions to the identified issues are considered.