Author: Oluwasoyin Aanuoluwapo Title of the publication: Employability Constraints Confronting International Business Students - A Case Study of Kajaani Degree title: Bachelor of Business Administration, International Business Keywords: employability, culture, cultural differences, Kajaani, Finland, employability skills

This thesis aims to explore the employability constraints facing international business students caused by cultural differences using Kajaani as a case study. Kajaani University of Applied Sciences commissioned the study involving international business students from three countries.

The three countries Nepal, Nigeria, and the Philippines were chosen as case studies to determine if cultural differences influence the employability of these international business students. The methodology of the research employed the use of questionnaires to collect data from international business students from the selected countries studying in Kajaani. According to cross-cultural dimensions theory, these countries display different values for each dimension, indicating a difference in national culture and, therefore, organizational culture.

The latest statistical data from 2020 revealed a decline in the number of international students in this country in 2020. Various data also suggest a preference to hire students from EA and EAA countries in Finland. The study employed a qualitative approach to data analysis, using a cross-cultural dimension theory to analyze the data and identify how cultural differences affect the employability of international business students. The data obtained were analyzed using the regression analysis method.

The findings of the research paper suggest that cultural differences significantly impact the employability of international business students. The study identified several cultural dimensions, such as the power distance index, individualism vs. collectivism, and masculinity vs. femininity, and showed how these dimensions affect employability. For example, the study highlights the disparity between the power distance index of Finland and the three countries and how this can affect various employability skills.

The conclusion highlights the effect of cultural differences and suggests methods with which various bodies can circumvent the research problem.