The structural validity of a new graduate work readiness scale | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article The structural validity of a new graduate work readiness scale Kamini Peersia, Natasha Anne Rappa, Laura B. Perry This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7983707/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Purpose - Graduate Work Readiness (GWR) is central to graduate employment. Its multidimensional nature is established in the literature; however, it is complex and not well-understood. A recent exploratory study confirms a hierarchical organisation of four constructs: Cognitive, Metacognition, Intrapersonal, and Interpersonal, as well as associated skillsets. However, there is a gap in the literature about how these constructs are interrelated to produce work readiness-related skill behaviour. Understanding the interrelationships between GWR constructs can be useful for universities to create conducive learning conditions for skill development. Therefore, this study aims to validate the nomological network of a newly GWR model. Design/ methodology/ approach - We used partial least squares structural modelling to analyse data from a survey, using a validated 35-item scale (Peersia et al., 2025), with university students and graduates (n = 406). Findings - The findings revealed that the Intrapersonal and Metacognition constructs have both a strong predictive effect on the Cognitive and Interpersonal constructs, and the Intrapersonal construct also has a moderate effect on Metacognition. There is also an indirect effect of the intrapersonal construct on the Cognitive and Interpersonal constructs through the Metacognition construct. Originality/Value – The significance of this study lies in its deeper insights into GWR through a statistically valid structural model that can inform the teaching and learning of GWR skills for better skill development strategies. Educational Psychology Graduate work readiness graduate skills graduate attributes scale development scale validity Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling Full Text Additional Declarations The authors declare no competing interests. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. 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