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 selfefficacy 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