The Work Readiness Scale (WRS):  Developing a measure to assess work readiness in college graduates

Catherine Lissette Caballero; Arlene Walker; Matthew Fuller-Tyszkiewicz

doi:10.21153/jtlge2011vol2no1art552

Authors

Catherine Lissette Caballero Deakin University, Australia
Arlene Walker Deakin University, Australia
Matthew Fuller-Tyszkiewicz Deakin University, Australia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21153/jtlge2011vol2no1art552

Keywords:

work readiness, graduate employability, graduate recruitment, graduate selection, graduate assessment, transferable skills, graduate competencies

Abstract

Work readiness is a relatively new concept which has emerged in the literature as a selection criterion for predicting graduate potential. Its definition and validity however, is contentious. To address this issue, the current study aimed to identify the attributes and characteristics that comprise work readiness and develop a scale to assess graduate work readiness. A qualitative study was conducted to assist in generating a representative pool of items for quantitative measurement. The resultant 167 item Work Readiness Scale (WRS) which we developed was validated in a sample of 251 graduates across a range of disciplines. Item analysis assisted in refining the scale. Exploratory factor analyses supported a 4-factor solution, with the final WRS consisting of 64 items. The four factors explained 44.7% of the variance, demonstrated excellent reliability and were labelled personal characteristics, organisational acumen, work competence, and social intelligence. The findings indicate that work readiness is a multidimensional construct and initial evidence is provided for the construct validity of the WRS.

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Author Biographies

Catherine Lissette Caballero, Deakin University, Australia

Human Resources Services Division Consultant (Culture and Organisational Development), Deakin University.
Arlene Walker, Deakin University, Australia

Lecturer, School of Psychology, Deakin University.
Matthew Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, Deakin University, Australia

Lecturer, School of Psychology, Deakin University.

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