Instrumental and Symbolic Attributes Influencing Academic Job Seekers: An Integrative Model
Saved in:
| Title: | Instrumental and Symbolic Attributes Influencing Academic Job Seekers: An Integrative Model |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Heng Chu (ORCID |
| Source: | SAGE Open. 2025 15(4). |
| Availability: | SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 15 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Foreign Countries, Job Applicants, Job Search Methods, Higher Education, Family Work Relationship, Career Development, Universities, Reputation, College Faculty, Labor Force Development, Intention |
| Geographic Terms: | China |
| DOI: | 10.1177/21582440251403789 |
| ISSN: | 2158-2440 |
| Abstract: | This study aims to fill the research gap in understanding the factors influencing job-pursuit intentions towards higher education institutions. Drawing on the instrumental-symbolic theory, it constructs an integrative model to explore how quality of work-life expectancy, career development opportunities, university reputation, and perceived person-organisation fit affect job seekers' intentions. A quantitative research method was employed, targeting master's and doctoral degree job seekers in China. Data were collected through non-random sampling, yielding 518 valid samples. The results support the theoretical model, with significant relationships found between the variables. Quality of work-life expectancy and career development opportunities, as instrumental attributes, along with university reputation as a symbolic attribute, influence perceived person-organisation fit and job pursuit intentions. The mediating role of perceived person-organisation fit is also confirmed. Theoretically, this study broadens the understanding of the instrumental-symbolic theory and person-organisation fit theory in the context of academic job pursuit. Practically, it provides strategies for organisations, especially universities, to enhance human resource management and talent acquisition. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1495892 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | This study aims to fill the research gap in understanding the factors influencing job-pursuit intentions towards higher education institutions. Drawing on the instrumental-symbolic theory, it constructs an integrative model to explore how quality of work-life expectancy, career development opportunities, university reputation, and perceived person-organisation fit affect job seekers' intentions. A quantitative research method was employed, targeting master's and doctoral degree job seekers in China. Data were collected through non-random sampling, yielding 518 valid samples. The results support the theoretical model, with significant relationships found between the variables. Quality of work-life expectancy and career development opportunities, as instrumental attributes, along with university reputation as a symbolic attribute, influence perceived person-organisation fit and job pursuit intentions. The mediating role of perceived person-organisation fit is also confirmed. Theoretically, this study broadens the understanding of the instrumental-symbolic theory and person-organisation fit theory in the context of academic job pursuit. Practically, it provides strategies for organisations, especially universities, to enhance human resource management and talent acquisition. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2158-2440 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/21582440251403789 |
