Journal of Entrepreneurship Research

Journal of Entrepreneurship Research

The Effect of Proactive Personality and Career-Specific Parenting Behaviors on Vocational Decision-Making Difficulties

Document Type : Research Article

Authors
Alireza Rajabipoor Meybodi
Hanie Naghash
Mehdi Sabokro
Alireza Jahanfekr
Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Economics, Management and Accounting, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran.
10.22034/jer.2024.2040701.1186
Abstract
Introduction: The unpredictable and turbulent nature of the labor market, along with increasing unemployment rates, has placed significant pressure on students regarding career decision-making. Effectively navigating these challenges necessitates the use of personal resources. Accordingly, this study aimed to examine the impact of proactive personality and parents' career-related behaviors on career decision-making difficulties, with career decision self-efficacy and career adaptability acting as mediating variables. A comprehensive understanding of these factors provides a foundation for designing and implementing effective strategies to support students in their career decision-making processes. Such strategies not only promote more informed choices but also, by equipping students with essential tools and insights, create a platform for achieving professional success with greater confidence.
Methodology: This study adopted a quantitative approach using a descriptive-correlational design. The statistical population included all students at various academic levels at Yazd University during the 2022–2023 academic year. A convenience sampling method was employed, resulting in the selection of 360 participants, with 310 completed questionnaires ultimately collected. Data were gathered using a standardized questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale. Content validity and discriminant validity were assessed to ensure validity, while reliability was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability coefficients, all of which were confirmed at acceptable levels. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics via the SPSS and AMOS software packages.
Findings: The results showed that career decision-making self-efficacy and career adaptability significantly predict career decision-making difficulties. Based on the findings, no significant relationship was found between parents' career-related behaviors and proactive personality with career decision-making difficulties, nor between parents' career-related behaviors and career adaptability. Furthermore, the results indicated a significant correlation between proactive personality and career adaptability, as well as between proactive personality and parents' career-related behaviors with career decision-making self-efficacy.
Conclusion/ Implications: This study demonstrates that proactive personality and parental support are pivotal factors in enhancing students' career decision self-efficacy. Individuals with a proactive personality display greater resilience and adaptability when confronting career-related challenges. Parental support, in turn, directly influences career adaptability and intrinsic motivation, thereby enabling individuals to make more informed decisions and respond effectively to occupational challenges. Consequently, strengthening these factors can help reduce difficulties encountered during the career selection process.
Keywords
Career Adaptability
Career Self-Efficacy
Structural Equation

Subjects

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  • Receive Date 09 September 2024
  • Revise Date 31 December 2024
  • Accept Date 31 December 2024