Abstract:
1. Introduction
In Sri Lanka, fresh graduated Human Resource Management (HRM)
professionals often face challenges in meeting industry expectations,
despite the growing demand for proficient HR professionals when seeking
jobs. These challenges arise due to gaps in knowledge, skills, and attitudes
(KSA) among recent graduated HR professionals. Addressing this gap, the
study investigated the underlying causes of KSA gaps among fresh HRM
graduates from Sri Lankan universities who are currently employed in the
industry.
2. Research Methodology
An exploratory qualitative study was conducted, adopting a constructivist
paradigm and a case study strategy. Unstructured interviews were held
with 30 participants, comprising 11 HR professionals who conducting
recruitment, 8 HRM lecturers, and 11 recent HRM graduates employed in
the industry. Thematic analysis was employed to identify core themes, and
frequency analysis was used to quantify the most significant reasons.
3. Findings and Discussion
The findings revealed unique significant reasons for KSA gaps. The most
significant knowledge gap arises from a mismatch between academic
theory and practical industry applications, along with inadequate real-
world HR exposure. Skill gaps arise most significantly through inadequate
hands-on experience and poor communication skills, especially in English.
Regarding attitude, the primary gap arises via the resistance in adapting to
the organizational culture and a lack of initiative in continuous learning.
4. Conclusion and Implications
The study emphasized the need of enhancing practical exposure through
internships, industry-academia collaboration, improving communication
skills, and fostering adaptability via soft skills training to bridging the KSA
gaps. They have significant implications for Sri Lankan HR education
reform and industry-academia collaboration. Theoretical contributions
include contextualizing reasons for KSA gaps of Sri Lankan graduated HRM
professionals, while practical implications strategies.
