The value of a degree : reflection on bachelor holders' employability in Georgia

Abstract

This master thesis analyses the way the value of a Bachelor degree is perceived in Georgia. Due to the impacts of Globalization and several other processes interacted simultaneously with it, higher education institutions have to operate in the environment of multiplicity of actors. The multiple actors involved in the higher education system (the government, the higher education institutions, the potential employers, the graduates and the professional unions), all owe a contribution to the result that both society and individual could benefit from the knowledge and skills acquired as the outcomes of learning, after graduation. This research highlights several interpretations on the value of a degree in the country framed from the different internal and external stakeholders’ perspectives. The study relies on the qualitative method of inquiry. The semi-structured interview guides for collection of the research data and analysis of the legislative documents such as decrees and laws on higher education make this work enriched. As the Bologna process is discerned as the framework to adapt quality management mechanism in general, an adequate recruitment and career structures to the changed structure of degrees, the study seeks to reflect the current stage of its implementation. The empirical findings of the investigation proved that the Bachelor degree has a value to a certain extent. Namely, it is precondition to accomplish Master. The source of problem to implement BA in the same way as it is structured in the Bologna Declaration, lays in legislation, which does not define professional rights of a BA degree holder. Introduction of the new cycle system seems just to split the previous single track, a 5 years program without adapting contents such that the first cycle Bachelor would lead to a generally accepted degree and could open up opportunities for employment. Thus, employer’s do not have adequate information in order to value Bachelor degree. BA is perceived by employers as incomplete “ceased” higher education. The empirical results show that the individuals with bachelor diploma face higher probability of being unemployed. Consequently they tend to find low skill work places and further are classified as “over educated” work force.