Graduate capital and employability perceptions: a fuzzy-set and artificial neural network analysis of university students in India

Purpose The study explores how different dimensions of Tomlinson’s graduate capital model- Human, Identity, Social, Cultural, and Psychological capital combine to influence Self-Perceived Employability (SPE). The study seeks to advance understanding of employability as a multidimensional construct shaped by the interplay of capital resources within the context of an emerging economy. Design/methodology/approach A survey was conducted among 120 graduate students in India. Fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) was used to identify causal configurations leading to high perceived employability. Additionally, Artificial Neural Network (ANN) modelling was employed to assess the non-linear predictive importance of each capital dimension. Findings fsQCA revealed multiple equifinal configurations with Identity Capital and Cultural Capital as the most recurring conditions across high-performing configurations. ANN analysis further confirmed Cultural Capital (100%) and Identity Capital (99.7%) as the most influential predictors of employability. Research limitations/implications The study shows that employability is shaped not by individual capital dimensions in isolation, but through complex, non-linear interactions among them. It establishes the need for higher education institutions to design holistic, context-sensitive strategies that simultaneously foster cultural awareness, personal identity development, and social connectedness, rather than relying on uniform skill-building approaches. Originality/value The study contributes to the evolving discourse on employability by integrating fsQCA and ANN methodologies, providing both causal explanations and predictive insights. By situating the framework within India’s distinct socio-cultural and institutional environment, it offers new insights into how cultural norms, identity formation, and social structures interact with graduate capital to shape employability perceptions, adding depth to the global discussion on graduate readiness.