Abstract
This study aims at exploring the psychological determinants that influence job search intention among fresh graduates. Digital innovations have changed the employment landscape that allows people to have flexible job opportunities. Building from the theory of planned behaviour, job search attitude, subjective norms, self-efficacy and perceived behaviour control were predicted to have positive effect on job search intention. A survey was conducted and the results of the regression test show job search attitude, subjective norms and self-efficacy as determinants to job search intention, but the relationship between perceived behavioural control and job search intention was found to be negative. In fact, the strongest linkage is between self-efficacy and job search intention. The findings should alert employers, academic institutions and policy makers of the recent trend in employment, as the fresh graduates are one of the most valued supply of labour force. The study also highlights how digital era and the cyber community have shaped the younger generations perception of work engagement as the transition towards social mobility.
Highlights
In the age of technological advances, graduates are the most valued source of labour force for any employers
Based on the results of hypotheses testing through multiple regression test, job search attitude, subjective norm, perceived behaviour control and self-efficacy is found to be significantly related to job search intention
It raises the question of what determines fresh graduates to search for jobs? The issue is raised as being employed after many years at schools and tertiary education is one of the major transitions in life as it affects their social mobility (Ule & Leskošek, 2018)
Summary
In the age of technological advances, graduates are the most valued source of labour force for any employers. While many studies have been conducted to assess skills and readiness of graduates to enter the job market, recent focuses are on skills demand and modern job market requirements (Figueiredo et al, 2017; Humburg et al, 2017; Matsouka & Mihail, 2016). It raises the question of what determines fresh graduates to search for jobs? Focusing on fresh graduates as the major supply of labour force, and the availability of digital technologies in promoting for self-employment, the research attempts to examine the relationships between job search attitude, subjective norms, perceived behaviour control, self-efficacy and job search intention
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