Date
4-7-2023
Department
School of Education
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD)
Chair
Sharon Michael-Chadwell
Keywords
emotional intelligence, self-directed learning, human capacity, workplace adaptation, work transition, Twum-Barimah’s Emotional Intelligence Working Skills Adaptation Theory, ICT graduates' transition into the workplace
Disciplines
Adult and Continuing Education | Higher Education
Recommended Citation
Twum-Barimah, David, "The Experiences of Information Communication Technology (ICT) Graduates' Transition Into a Low-and Middle-Income Economy's Job Market: A Phenomenological Study" (2023). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 4260.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/4260
Abstract
This transcendental phenomenological study aimed to understand the information communication technology graduates’ perceptions and lived experiences as they transitioned into the workforce in Grenada (a low- and middle-income economy island state). The theories guiding this study are Goleman’s theory on emotional intelligence, Knowles’ self-directed learning theory, and Becker’s human capital theory. These theories represent the skill sets that help individuals adapt to new environments, acquire new skills, and become efficient in the workplace. The study used twelve Grenadians with degrees in information communication technology and sought employment in Grenada. The data collection was conducted through individual interviews, focus group interviews and a questionnaire through online platforms. A thematic analysis process was used to analyze the data collected, which included coding and categorizing them into themes. The emergent themes that were discovered through this study were the importance of (a) emotional intelligence abilities, (b) self-directed learning abilities, (c) adaptability to non-information communication technology fields, (d) difficulty transitioning, and (c) easy transitioning into the job market. The findings revealed that ICT graduates from a low to middle-income economy with a small population could easily transition into the workforce by having (a) high emotional intelligence, (b) good self-directed learning skills, (c) prior relevant working experience, and (b) a network of relevant working contacts. The participants suggested a more practical approach to education within their field. They also noted that emotional intelligence had a major role in their employment and overall performance.
