Behavior Patterns and Career Paths Differentiation Among Chinese International Students in Japan: Insights from Culture in Action Model.

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Bibliographic Details
Title:	Behavior Patterns and Career Paths Differentiation Among Chinese International Students in Japan: Insights from Culture in Action Model.
Authors:	Jiao, Ran¹ jiaoran55@live.cn
Source:	Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Education. 2026, Vol. 15 Issue 3, p95-115. 21p.
Subject Terms:	Career development, Chinese students in foreign countries, *Goal (Psychology), Human behavior models, Action theory (Psychology), Social background
Geographic Terms:	Japan
Abstract:	This study investigates how cultural tools shape the career paths differentiation of Chinese international students in Japan, with particular focus on the behavior patterns that emerge in this process. Drawing on the culture in action model, the research adopts a constructivist epistemology and a hermeneutic methodological approach to analyze in-depth interviews. Findings reveal that family background and early experiences significantly influence students' motivations and approaches to career planning. Moreover, the meaning of work, as constructed through individual values, plays a decisive role in guiding career choices. Two distinct behavior patterns are identified: a goal-driven pattern, in which students actively pursue predetermined objectives, and an opportunity-following pattern, in which students adapt to emerging prospects. These patterns explain how similar educational qualifications can lead to divergent career outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database:	Education Research Complete

Description
Abstract:	This study investigates how cultural tools shape the career paths differentiation of Chinese international students in Japan, with particular focus on the behavior patterns that emerge in this process. Drawing on the culture in action model, the research adopts a constructivist epistemology and a hermeneutic methodological approach to analyze in-depth interviews. Findings reveal that family background and early experiences significantly influence students' motivations and approaches to career planning. Moreover, the meaning of work, as constructed through individual values, plays a decisive role in guiding career choices. Two distinct behavior patterns are identified: a goal-driven pattern, in which students actively pursue predetermined objectives, and an opportunity-following pattern, in which students adapt to emerging prospects. These patterns explain how similar educational qualifications can lead to divergent career outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:	21662681
DOI:	10.32674/64k8w596