Job search intentions and job attainment are self-regulated: Prospective analysis of the effects of self-efficacy, self-consciousness and core self-evaluations

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to extend the results of previous research exploring the paths between variables of the theory of planned behaviour and job attainment. The theory of planned behaviour assumes that attitude, subjective norm and self-efficacy contribute to intention, which in turn determines behaviour and, finally, an outcome. Regarding job attainment, several moderators and several antecedents were identified, but the possible role of self-efficacy was neglected. In addition to examining its role, we also consider one of its possible antecedent (i.e. core self-evaluations) and whether private self-consciousness moderates the path between job search self-efficacy and job search intention. Scales measuring these variables were administered to a sample of 141 jobseekers, including 57 men and 84 women, most of them being between 45 and 54 years ( n = 42) or between 35 and 44 years ( n = 34). Results corroborate that core self-evaluations are related to job search self-efficacy and that private self-consciousness moderates the path between job search self-efficacy and job search intention, but in an unexpected way. Core self-evaluations are also directly related to job attainment. Results are discussed with reference to the literature and their practical implications.