INDUSTRY-ACADEMIA GAP : A THEORETICAL REVIEW OF SKILL GAP IN THE CONTEXT OF BANGLADESH

Abstract

Being one of the most densely populated countries, Bangladesh could not assess the risk of facing the most ironic problem-a shortage of skilled people at different managerial levels across the industries. The current study tried to identify the actual meaning of skill gap, the role of academic curricula in this regard, and the potential challenges we have for the skill gap. This research work used both primary and secondary sources of information. It went through a qualitative analysis of pertinent information to understand the relationship between academic learning and its potential failure to instill job-related skills. Leading academicians and industry leaders were interviewed to discover insights into the existing skill gap. It is deducted that Bangladeshi organizations have been struggling to find the right type of talent in managerial positions from the local workforce and eventually end up hiring foreign nationals to fill up the gap. The findings of the study also suggest that this heavy dependence on foreign nationals has become a national issue for the last couple of years. Both government and academic experts are trying to mitigate the gap and this study adds value to it by focusing on the reasons behind such existing challenges. This research reveals that outdated national curricula, lack of a proactive plan of the organizations, brain drain, and organization’s leaders’ attitude towards local managers are the core reasons behind this situation. This study offers several proactive solutions for a better future of the country. The findings of this research are expected to contribute in assessing the overall skill gap issue of the country to formulate sustainable policies for the upcoming years.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.58964/JBAART05