A conceptual framework (‘the IDEA framework’) for developing soft skills to enhance graduate employability in higher education institutions

Abstract

The development of soft skills is considered a critical factor to enhance graduate employability prospects in the labour market. However, less is known about ‘how’ soft skills are developed in specific contexts, given the piecemeal treatment of the dimensions of soft skills development in the extant literature. Drawing on the extensive review of the graduate employability literature, this paper presents an integrated conceptual framework that encompasses initiation, design, execution, and assessment dimensions, along with stakeholder-related, institutional, and contextual factors that impact the development of soft skills. Theoretically, this paper contributes to the discourse on ‘employability in context’ by offering a unique perspective on the existing graduate employability frameworks. Considering practical contributions, operationalising soft skills development via four dimensions has practical implications for academics, industry, and students, as the framework provides a shared perspective on soft skills provision and development, and a roadmap to improve graduates’ employability.