Influence of socio-cultural factors on employability intentions among female students of management in Nepal

Sagar Pokhrel; Sujan Parajuli

doi:10.51867/scimundi.6.2.7

Autores

Sagar Pokhrel TU- Mechi Multiple Campus, Bhadrapur, Nepal https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0496-1338
Sujan Parajuli TU- Mechi Multiple Campus, Bhadrapur, Nepal https://orcid.org/0009-0007-6344-6762

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51867/scimundi.6.2.7

Palavras-chave:

Employment, Entrepreneurial, Higher Education, Socio-Cultural, University Students

Resumo

The growing employability and wider reach of management education have increased the enrollment of female students in business programs in Nepal. Although female participation in professional roles has increased in recent years, socio- cultural factors remain inherent in shaping career aspirations in the Nepalese context. This paper attempts to examine the socio-cultural factors influencing the employability intentions of female management students in Nepal. Guided by Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) and Theory of Planned Behavior, a descriptive study was conducted among 162 female students studying a management program in the Bhadrapur region of Nepal. The responses of students studying Bachelor of Business Administration [BBA], Bachelor of Business Studies [BBS], and Master of Business Studies [MBS] were collected through a structured questionnaire. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences.[SPSS] is used for analyzing the collected data. Descriptive statistics are used to analyze respondents’ demographic characteristics, and Chi-Square analysis is performed to examine the significant association of socio-cultural factors with career choice. The majority of students desired to work as employees after completing a bachelor's-level education. Banks, financial institutions, and government organizations were among the most sought-after fields for employment. The majority of female students opted to complete a Master’s level as the highest level of educational achievement. Personal interest, salary, job security, and work-life balance were among the primary considerations while choosing employment. This study concluded that parents, friends, and teachers were significantly influential in the career choices of female students. The findings of the study offer important updates for higher education’s service providers and policymakers to develop institutional support and educational competencies for promoting sustainable employment opportunities among female graduates. This study recommended that universities, government, and policymakers should motivate female students to explore other sectors for employment beyond banking and financial institutions.

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