Psychological Determinants of Job Search Intention Among Fresh Graduates for the Supply of Labour Force in the Digital Era

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.