Africanization of the Management Function for Employability of Graduates From a Selected Institution of Higher Learning in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

Abstract

With assertions that the management function has been based on a Eurocentric perspective over the years, this study considered the Africanization of management within a selected institution of higher learning in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. This investigation is important following reported educational inadequacies, which have also been associated with poor absorption of university graduates in the labor market evidenced by high rates of unemployment in South Africa. The specific objective of the study was to explore perspectives for improving graduate employability through Africanization of university management. A basic descriptive design was adopted to quantitatively explore perspectives on an Africanized management style that fosters graduate employability in higher education. Data were collected on the agreeableness of respondents to particular statements for an Africanization approach. A Likert scale questionnaire was used to measure the degree of agreeableness on the statements. The questionnaire designed for use in this study was based on the major aim of the study as well as the literature. The results of the study provided evidence that the respondents had high acceptance that the Africanization of the university is related to better employability of graduates. There were strong indications that African principles such as collectivism, ubuntu, respect, and dignity for one another equip students with key traits and attitudes for employability. Additionally, respondents were neutral on many related assertions, which was taken to imply the existence of other factors in graduate employability. The study recommends wider inquiry into the Africanization concept for better understanding and possible adoption.