Students’ Passion for Grades in Higher Education Institutions in Pakistan

AbstractThe shrinking labour market and employers’ obsession for talent have increased the challenges for students in universities to achieve higher academic grades for improved employability. Researchers have suggested different factors that contribute towards students’ enthusiasm for grades during the educational career. The focus on this phenomenon in higher education has so far been restricted to developed countries. The purpose of this study is to investigate empirically the predictors of students’ passion for university grades in institutions of higher education in Pakistan in a milieu of dwindling job opportunities under prevailing economic environment.The study is based on primary data, collected through a structured questionnaire from 242 students studying in higher-education institutions. Factor analysis, correlation and regression analyses were used to determine the effects of pressure for employability, academic self-concept, parental interest, psychological pressure, academic recognition, and financial concerns on students’ passion for academic grades.The study revealed that pressure for employability; academic self-concept, academic recognition, parental concern, and psychological pressure were the main predictors of students’ passion for academic grades. Financial concerns did not indicate a statistically significant effect on criterion variable. The study provides useful insight to policy makers in higher education institutions to formulate appropriate academic interventions to foster students’ endeavours to excel in learning pursuits