Applying the theory of planned behaviour to analyse the employment intentions of eastern Chinese vocational-school students seeking work in western China: A survey of six provinces

Abstract

Background

In many countries, talent migration undermines the social and economic strengths of regional communities. Thus, globalisation has made employment a focal point of concern worldwide.

Objective

This study used a framework based on the theory of planned behaviour to examine Eastern Chinese vocational-school students’ intentions to work in Western China.

Methods

Data were collected from 2215 students at 12 vocational schools in Eastern China. The variables employment attitude (ATT), subjective norms (SNs) and perceived behavioural control (PBC) were analysed as predictors of employment intention (EI).

Results

Structural equation modelling indicated that ATT, SNs and PBC all had significant effects on predicting EI. However, SNs’ moderating role in the relationship between ATT and EI was not significant.

Conclusions

ATT, SNs and PBC were significant predictors of EI; however, PBC's predictive role was negative. In addition to the direct effects, the findings also identified SNs’ moderating role, which is consistent with existing research on SNs’ important role in predicting career choice and EI.