Employability and the psychological contract in European ICT sector SMEs

Abstract

This article explores the employability of information and communication technology (ICT) professionals from the perspective of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The first stage of analysis, based on over 100 interviews with managers of ICT supplier companies in seven European countries (Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland and the UK), showed most SMEs to have a generally ad hoc approach to managing the employability of their ICT professionals. Assessment and development plans were used primarily to keep skills current to business needs; however, the more developed northern European markets showed greater awareness of the ‘high commitment’ benefits of a more sophisticated approach towards career management (e.g. through mentoring or career planning). A second stage of analysis based only on UK interviews builds on this to propose a model of positive employer influence on psychological contracts through career and employability management practices.

Keywords:

• career management
• employability
• ICT sector
• psychological contract

Acknowledgements

This research was funded by the European Commission within the Fifth Framework. The title of the project is: Indic@tor. A cross-cultural study on the measurement and enhancement of employability among ICT professionals working in SMEs. Project ID: IST-2000-31070. Website: [email protected]

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Claudia M. Van der Heijde

and the Indic@tor Study Group