Expected Competencies from University Graduates for Employment in Serbia

  • Jelena Anđelković Labrović University of Belgrade, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Serbia
  • Ivana Milinković University of Belgrade, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Serbia
  • Nikola Petrović University of Belgrade, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Serbia
  • Ivana Kovačević University of Belgrade, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Serbia

Abstract

Research Question: This paper investigates into which competencies and competency areas are essential for graduates to be employable in Serbia. Motivation: The research was conducted with the aim to recommend to the Faculty of Organizational Sciences to adjust their curriculum, so that graduates could acquire competencies necessary for employment at junior positions. Combining qualitative and quantitative approaches, the paper includes required competencies according to popular reports, analysis of vacancies for junior positions in the field of Management and IT, focus groups and surveys conducted in companies in Serbia. Idea: The main idea of the research was to empirically evaluate the need and importance of general competencies for performing a job at junior positions. Participants in the research were experts from human resource management departments and domain experts from different fields who participate in the selection process. Data: During the research, 52 competencies from world reports, 60 competencies from open job vacancies, and 69 competencies during the focus group were analyzed. The questionnaire was created based on 29 competencies that were results from the qualitative research and filled out by 118 representatives from companies from different business domains. Tools: Content analysis of reports and vacancy ads, focus group report and statistical analysis of survey data (t test, Principal component analysis) were used to draw conclusions about required competencies for junior positions in the Serbian market and to categorize them. Findings: Competencies that are expected from future employees are to be socially skilled leaders capable of solving problems and intrinsically motivated to create and to be productive. Above all, they should be able to learn continuously. Specifically, when comparing managerial junior positions to junior IT professionals, it seems more important to be competitive, have strong presentation skills and to be conscientious. Contribution: Competencies important for graduates’ employability in Serbia are identified and grouped in different competency areas based on what universities’ curricula could be adapted.

Author Biographies

Jelena Anđelković Labrović, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Serbia

Jelena Andjelković Labrović  is an Assistant Professor at the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Department of Human Resources Management. She teaches the  following subjects: Training and Development, E-learning, Human Resource Management and International Human Resource Management. She is the author or co-author of many research papers in the field of human resources, and her particular interest is in e-learning of employees. She has participated in the implementation of several projects in companies in the field of human resource management as a consultant or researcher.

Ivana Milinković, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Serbia

Ivana Milinković is a Teaching Assistant at the Faculty of Organizational Sciences, University of Belgrade, Human Resource Management Department, where she teaches the following courses: Business Psychology, Teamwork, Interpersonal relations and Group Dynamics, Leadership and Motivation. She is also a Ph.D. student interested in the fields of motivation, assessment and development of employee competencies, and leadership.

Nikola Petrović, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Serbia

Nikola Petrović  is a Teaching Assistant and PhD student at the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Department of Human Resources Management. He teaches courses in Training and Development, E-learning and Human Resource Management. His main fields of interest include learning analytics, learning engagement, HR automation, and ethical aspects of learning process automation.

Ivana Kovačević, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Serbia

Ivana Kovačević is an Associate Professor at the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Department of Human Resources Management. She obtained her PhD degree in Psychology at the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Belgrade. She teaches courses in the field of Business Psychology, Human Relations, Teamwork and Group Dynamics, Leadership and Motivation. She is the author and co-author of papers and active in projects and research covering employee’s motivation, conflicts, digital competencies and psychological aspects of Human-Computer Interaction. 

Published
2022-05-04
How to Cite
Anđelković Labrović, J., Milinković, I., Petrović, N., & Kovačević, I. (2022). Expected Competencies from University Graduates for Employment in Serbia. Management:Journal Of Sustainable Business And Management Solutions In Emerging Economies, 27(1), 45-54. doi:10.7595/management.fon.2021.0006
Section
Articles