Employer insights into key competencies for human resource management graduates: a Q-methodology study

This study aims to investigate the subjective views of HRM professionals regarding the competencies essential for HRM graduates, focusing on identifying distinct competency preference groups, understanding their perceived importance and prioritization of competencies, and delineating unique attributes that differentiate these views. A total of 118 HR professionals were involved in the study, and Q-methodology was used to identify different viewpoints and distinguished statements. The identified five distinct competency preference groups among HR professionals, revealing variations in the importance placed on competencies such as traditional HR knowledge and practical skills, soft skills tailored for organizational fit, digital proficiency and technical skills, legal expertise, and capabilities essential for future HR professionals. The results offer interesting insights that contribute to the literature on workplace competencies. This study breaks new ground in HRM education by revealing diverse competency preferences among HR professionals, guiding higher education institutions (HEIs) to enhance curriculum flexibility and relevance.