A Multidimensional Capital-Based Framework for Entry-Level Management Graduate Employability: Integrating Foundational, Behavioural, Social, Signaling, and Critical Capital Dimensions

Abstract

Current models of graduate employability tend to prioritize technical skills and immediate job placement, often overlooking the complex psychosocial and market dynamics required for long-term success. To address this gap, this paper presents a multidimensional capital-based framework tailored specifically for entry-level management graduates. Drawing on a synthesis of multidisciplinary literature, we propose a comprehensive model that integrates five core dimensions: foundational human capital, behavioural and psychological capital, social and relational capital, signaling capital, and market alignment capital. Additionally, we introduce the concept of critical capital as a transformative element that equips graduates with the systems thinking and ethical reasoning necessary to navigate volatile business environments. By distinguishing between the performative actions of acquiring a job and the transformative process of sustaining a career, this framework provides a robust lens for understanding graduate readiness. The paper concludes with a series of testable propositions, laying the groundwork for future empirical research and offering strategic guidance for the evolution of management education curricula.