The expectations, outcomes and perceived benefits of postgraduate business programmes for Indian nationals

Foskett, Kaye The expectations, outcomes and perceived benefits of postgraduate business programmes for Indian nationals. PhD thesis, University of Liverpool.

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Abstract

The literature suggests that there are several stakeholders who influence postgraduate study for social and personal benefits. These stakeholders comprise governments, employers, HEIs, families and individuals. The findings from this research study suggest that fathers from Indian middle class families play a significant motivational role in the lives of their offspring by encouraging them to develop their cultural capital through postgraduate business programmes. Parents expect that higher level academic study will improve their offspring’s symbolic and social capitals and result in good social and career outcomes (Bourdieu, 1986). Many of these Indian middle class parents who have access to and are willing to use their economic capital, also influence and support their children to gain ‘exposure’ in new environments for example in the USA and the UK . The aim of this parental competitive strategy is to ensure ‘positional advantage’ (Brown, 2003, p3) in the labour market and in some cases to gain experience foreign study that they did not have the opportunity to do. As more Indian nationals undertake postgraduate business programmes there is evidence to suggest that credentialism is resulting in what Brown, Lauder & Ashton (2011) argue is a ‘global auction’, bringing more rewards only for the very best or the educated elite. This perception was found from the respondents in this study. Brown, Lauder & Ashton (2011) further argue that this is perpetuating social divisions in different societies as the labour market becomes more competitive due to economic trends and corporate restructuring. The findings from this study suggest that most Indian respondents who have postgraduate business qualifications achieve some of their expectations, but not at the management level, nor in other areas that they had expected e.g. they achieve a lower than expected salary. To ensure graduates career expectations are realistic, the findings suggest that UK and Indian higher education institutions, should report in an ethical and honest way, the destinations and career outcomes of all their Indian business postgraduates. The findings also suggest that UK and Indian institutions should improve their alumni services and forge closer links with Indian employers to support graduates’ career opportunities. Evidence was also found which suggests that there is a perception of greater symbolic capital from UK credentials, which may add value to an individual’s employment opportunities and to their marriage capital and where it occurs, their dowry/gift capital.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Additional Information:	Date: 2013-03 (completed)
Subjects:	?? HD28 ??
Divisions:	Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences > School of Management
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	18 Feb 2014 10:58
Last Modified:	16 Dec 2022 04:39
DOI:	10.17638/00012475
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/12475