Measuring graduate students’ global competence: Instrument development and an empirical study with a Chinese sample

Abstract

In globalization, global competence (GC) is a crucial competence for graduate students to possess; thus, graduate education should prepare students with GC to compete globally. However, no instrument has been designed to measure graduate students' GC, and the theoretical structure of GC has not been empirically examined. To fill these gaps, first, we developed the Global Competence Scale for graduate students (GCSG) based on a three-dimensional theoretical framework (knowledge, skills, and attitudes). Second, we administered the GCSG to Chinese graduate students sampled from five universities in Beijing. Third, we examined the theoretical framework, and examined the reliability and validity of the scale. Finally, we described the Chinese graduate student sample’s GC by using the instrument. The results supported the theoretical model and provided evidence for the reliability and validity of the instrument. We also found that the sample showed higher ratings in knowledge and attitudes but lower ratings in communication skills.