Professionalization Processes of College Human Resource Graduates Working in the Israeli Geographic and Economic Periphery

Proceedings of The 5th International Conference on Advanced Research in Teaching and Education

Year: 2022

DOI:

[Fulltext]

Professionalization Processes of College Human Resource Graduates Working in the Israeli Geographic and Economic Periphery

Shani Kuna

ABSTRACT: 

Constant transformations have led to significant changes in the concept of professionalism. The professionalization processes of young human resource (HR) practitioners have drawn limited scholarly attention. This study explores contemporary professionalization processes undergone by college human resource graduates working in the Israeli geographic and economic periphery. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 young HR college graduates. The participants identified a significant gap between their academic knowledge and the daily practices they are expected to perform as HR practitioners. Furthermore, they are confronted by three obstacles that impede their professional advancement. First, due to the heterogeneity of the HR occupation, young HR graduates are exposed to conflicting practices and concepts daily. Second, employers in the periphery discourage young HR practitioners from investing resources in their professionalism. Finally, digitalization has also negatively affected the professionalization of HR practices. In sum, the participants in this study expressed disappointment with their professionalization processes within firms in the periphery, particularly in comparison to professionalization processes offered to HR practitioners in the center. In sum, the gap between the center and periphery, coupled with the gap between academia and HR practice, threatens the professional advancement of underprivileged young adults in the Israeli periphery. Practical implications are offered.

keywords: college graduates, professionalization processes, human resource management.