Abstract
The aim of this study was to find out motivation for occupational preference among Regional Maritime University students. The cross-sectional survey design was chosen for the study and the stratified sampling technique was used to select a sample of 305 students from three departments constituting major programmes of study. Motivation for Occupational Preference Scale was used to gather data from the sampled population. The Independent samples t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to analyze the data gathered. Results showed that, extrinsic values influenced occupational preference more than intrinsic values, both Ghanaian and International students were influenced equally by extrinsic factors in their preference for occupation, there was no significant gender difference in the influence of extrinsic factors on occupational preference and there was a significant difference in the intrinsic factors that influence occupational preference among students from different programmes. It is therefore recommended that, regular career guidance and counselling sessions are held at various levels of education to inform and educate students especially at the university on the benefits of career preference based on intrinsic factors than solely on extrinsic factors. In conclusion students must be encouraged to assess their vocational interest or career preference so that they pursue programmes and courses that they have the natural inclination for and not only make a choice of vocation or career just for extrinsic values or rewards.
Highlights
On people-oriented values, the mean score for males was 6.86 and the standard deviation was 2.99 whereas the mean score for females was 7.80 and the standard deviation 3.44. These means were subjected to an Independent samples t-test to determine whether male students will be influenced by extrinsic values more than female students
There was no significant difference in the way intrinsic factors influence both Ghanaian and international students when it comes to their occupational preferences
Results show F calculated values of 1.709 and 2.052 with p-values 0.132 and 0.071 greater than 0.05 significant levels respectively for the extrinsic values: External influence and Extrinsic-Reward Oriented. This meant that, irrespective of the programme being pursued by students, the differences in the way extrinsic values impact on their occupational preferences were minimal
Summary
Work has always been the very core of human survival (Makinde&Alao, 1987). ‘Work’, ‘job’, ‘vocation’, ‘occupation’ or ‘career’ as many individuals will call their source of livelihood, is an indispensable part of human life. To be able to work or be employed means much more than just earning some money. Work plays a key role because it is the primary source of income to some people, and because it is the foundation for social participation and inclusion as well as social status, consumption, health, family life, and so on. Work satisfies people’s psychological needs and gives a sense of pride and worth. Work is part of life and the basis for education, whether formal or informal
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