Enhancing the employability of high school graduates: Impact of emotional intelligence

Abstract

Employability is referred to as the relative potential of an individual to obtain and retain suitable employment in the labour market. Success in higher education is an effective way of enhancing the employability of youth. Competitiveness of examinations has added in to the challenges and aspirations of youth. The objective of the study was to examine the impact of high school students' emotional intelligence (EI) for their Training (study) approaches and employability potential. Eighty five high school (Advanced Level) students (40 girls, and 45 boys) were randomly selected from two high schools in Sri Lanka. They were preparing in three different subject streams for the university entrance examination. Emotional intelligence of the respondents was measured through Genos EI Inventory. Respondents' training (study) approaches were assessed through the 'revised two-factor Study Process Questionnaire' of Biggs et.al. SPSS computer software was employed for descriptive and inferential analysis of data. The employability potential of the students was assessed based on their academic performances. Emotional intelligence, and the Training (study) approaches (motives, and strategies) used by the respondents were assessed. Relationships were sought with students' employability potential (academic performances). High school girls revealed deeper training (study) approaches and their academic performances were superior to the boys. There was no significant impact of EI level to the training (study) process behavior of the respondents, and to their employability potential (academic performances). However, findings revealed a positive relationship between the Emotional Self Control and Employability potential (Academic performances) of high school students. This warrants further analysis, especially in a cultural context. It implies a competitive advantage (employability potential) for students with a better control of self emotions. This has the potential to generate a practical sense in academic and corporate environments alike. Further research is recommended on varying socio-cultural, and demographic segments.