Brain Drain of Business and IT Graduates In Pakistan

Abstract

Brain drain is the migration of highly skilled professionals to developed countries in world and due to this transfer the developing countries are facing the shortage of human talent and expertise in the different fields of life. In Pakistan brain drain has become an increasing trend among the highly qualified professionals in last decade and limited evidence available to understand the phenomenon especially in business and Information Technology (IT) sectors. The main objective of this study was to know the current trends in brain drain of graduates in business and IT fields and explore factors responsible for that. In order to assess the causes of brain drain among graduate professionals of Pakistan this study randomly recruited 150 respondents from IT and business sectors. A survey was conducted in the Karachi city. Structured questionnaire was used to collect the data on different variables of economic, political and social factors causing brain drain in Pakistan. SPSS version 22 was used for data analysis. The results support some socio-economic, social and political factors are responsible for brain drain in Pakistan. Graduates’ perceptions of high salary packages, high living standard, peace and better future of children are those factors which motivate them to migrate from their own country. This original study has increased the understanding of drain of business and IT graduates in Pakistan. Study findings can guide the government and policy makers to identify real factors behind the migration of highly skilled graduates and make policies to retain its human capital.