Bridging job search and perceived employability in the labour market – a mediation model of job search, perceived employability and learning goal orientation

Abstract

Purpose Perceived employability (PE) is considered as a significant psychological resource that aids individuals in tackling the complex career snags he/she faces. The purpose of this study is to develop and empirically test a theoretical model that explains how PE affects two types of job search behaviour (JSB) by bringing in job search learning goal orientation (JSLGO) as mediator and work experience as a moderator. The model is conceptualised in the backdrop of self-regulation theory and conservation of resource theory. Design/methodology/approach Using a cross-sectional study of 319 management graduates, the authors examined the effect of JSLGO and PE on both active and preparatory job search of graduates. Structural equation modelling (SEM) using IBM-AMOS was conducted on the cross-sectional data collected from management graduates in India. Findings An empirical analysis using SEM unravelled that JSLGO mediated the relationship between preparatory job search and PE but did not intervene in the relationship between active job search and PE. The study also looked into the moderating role of work experience and it was found to be a significant moderator in the PE and job search – active relationship. Practical implications Work experience helps students in active job search stage which can lead to quick employment gains. Real job experience could be gained through work-integrated learning and on the job training, as they will enhance the exposure of students to real-life work situations. Higher levels of JSLGO indicate a more strategic approach and aiming a quality career. Learning goal orientation training should be embedded in the curriculum, as management education is all about preparing students for the world of work. Originality/value The current research has uniquely contributed to the limited literature on the importance of developing PE amongst management graduates and its consequence on job search. The study makes an important contribution to the theory and practices on job search by enhancing our understanding of the mechanism that governs PE and JSB relationship through goal orientation.

Proposing a systematic framework for channelized job search: The role of goal orientation

“…Perceived employability can be defined as the individual’s subjective perception of their ability to obtain and to continue in a job, and to shift to a new job if the situation so demands (Alvarez, et al, 2017). The development of perceived employability has been explained within the framework of human capital theory (Kim et al, 2015), Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) (Chou and Shen, 2012; Qenani et al, 2014), career construction theory (De Guzmán and Choi, 2013) and self-regulation theory (Zakkariya and Nimmi, 2020; da Motta and Turban, 2014). The development of employability (perceived employability) is the aim of management education.…”

“…Individuals with high LGO have an inclination towards challenging and risky behaviour while undertaking tasks (Maden, 2015). Self-regulation theory can be used to explain how an individual tries to reduce the incongruity between current and desired states from a ‘goal’ point of view (Zakkariya and Nimmi, 2020). One of the main goals of graduates is to obtain a preferred job, and striving for this goal triggers and sets in motion the job search process.…”

“…Job search is a difficult and complex task and hence motivation is essential for maintaining the continuity of job search activities. Heightened perceived employability creates a sense of direction and confidence among job seekers (Ahmed et al, 2019), thus augmenting JSLGO which is situational in nature (Zakkariya and Nimmi, 2020). And thus we propose that perceived employability is positively associated with JSLGO:• H1: Perceived Employability is associated with JSLGO.…”

“…Prior studies have produced contradictory findings on the antecedents of job search behaviour, preparatory and active. Some studies have validated that preparatory job search behaviour and active job search behaviour can happen simultaneously and can have different antecedents (Chen and Lim, 2012; Onyishi et al, 2015; Zakkariya and Nimmi, 2020). Furthermore, no studies have looked into the possible explanation of job search behaviour based on the sequential model and hence we propose:• H3: Preparatory job search behaviour is associated with active job search behaviour.…”

“…Prior studies have looked into the concurrent model of job search behaviour (Onyishi et al, 2015; Zakkariya and Nimmi, 2020), in which preparatory job search and active job search behaviours occur simultaneously. But a better explanation could be given by a systematic model (Barber et al, 1994).…”