Factors Influencing Public Sector Career Intention among Undergraduate Students: Evidence from a public University in Shandong province, China
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Abstract
This study examined public-sector career intentions among undergraduate students in China. It aimed to: (1) study students’ attitudes toward public-sector employment, subjective norms, job security and welfare considerations, and public-sector career intentions; and (2) analyze the influence of attitudes, subjective norms, and job security and welfare considerations on public sector career intentions. A survey was conducted with 381 students at Shandong Agricultural University using proportionate quotas across five disciplinary groups. Data were collected through a questionnaire measured on a five-point Likert scale. The instrument had a 0.96 Index of Item–Objective Congruence (IOC) from three experts. A pilot test involving 30 students produced Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranging from 0.935 to 0.959. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple regression. All four constructs were rated at high levels, with job security and welfare considerations receiving the highest mean score (x̄ = 4.09). Career intention was positively correlated with attitude (r = 0.548), subjective norm (r = 0.496), and job security and welfare considerations (r = 0.463). The regression model was statistically significant and explained 39.4% of the variance in career intention. Attitude was the strongest predictor (β = 0.336), followed by subjective norm (β = 0.264), while job security and welfare considerations also contributed significantly (β = 0.170). Therefore, universities and public-sector organizations should promote positive perceptions of public service, strengthen career guidance and social support, and clearly communicate employment security and welfare benefits.
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