Understanding behavioral job search self-efficacy through the social cognitive lens: A meta-analytic review

• Published in: Journal of vocational behavior Vol. 112; pp. 17 - 34
• Main Authors: Kim, Ji Geun, Kim, Haram J., Lee, Ki-Hak
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Philadelphia Elsevier Inc 01.06.2019; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Career self-management; Careers; Cognitive ability; Job hunting; Job search; Job search self-efficacy; Meta-analysis; Personality; Self-efficacy; Social cognitive career theory; Systematic review; Variables; Job search; Job search self-efficacy; Career self-management; Social cognitive career theory; Meta-analysis
• ISSN: 0001-8791; 1095-9084
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jvb.2019.01.004

This study used a meta-analysis to gain a clearer understanding of the relationships between behavioral job search self-efficacy (JSSE) and its relevant variables. Study variables were selected based on the career self-management model of the social cognitive career theory, which comprehensively includes sources and outcomes of JSSE. In addition, moderators that reflect various sample characteristics and the studies' research designs were included to clarify the hitherto inconsistent results between JSSE and related variables. Based on the analysis on 80 independent samples from 74 articles, results showed that supports and proactive personality (—the antecedent variables) and emotional wellbeing (—the consequence variable) had consistently strong relations with JSSE. Moderator analyses showed that sample type (undergraduates, laidoff), cultural value (individualism, collectivism), length of unemployment (over 6 months, under 6 months), and research design (cross-sectional, longitudinal) moderated the links between JSSE and two consequence variables, job search action, and job-search-related outcome. These results indicate that it is important to consider the agents of job search, their job search contexts, and methodological issues in conducting future research and interventions. Implications of the results are discussed and future research and practice are considered. •Meta-analyzed the job search self-efficacy based on the career self-management model•JSSE had notable relationships with proactive personality and contextual support.•JSSE had notable relationships with adaptive outcomes, anxiety, and life satisfaction.•Sample characteristics act as moderators between JSSE, search action, and employment.•Research design acts as a moderator between JSSE and job search action.