The effects of goal orientation on job search and reemployment: a field experiment among unemployed job seekers. 2009

Edwin A J van Hooft, and Gera Noordzij
Institute of Psychology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, 3000 DR Rotterdam, The Netherlands. vanhooft@fsw.eur.nl

Because unemployment has detrimental effects on the well-being of unemployed people, it is important that unemployed individuals move back to work. The present study aimed at improving the understanding of the job search and reemployment process by applying goal orientation theory to job seeking. Using a 3-group field experimental design among 109 unemployed job seekers, the authors examined the effects of situational learning and performance goal orientation on participants' job search intentions, job search behavior, and reemployment status. A situational focus on learning goals was found to be beneficial for the job search process, leading to more search intentions, more search behavior, and higher reemployment probabilities. These effects seemed to be independent of people's dispositional goal orientation. Findings indicate that goal orientation is a promising construct for both science and practice in the field of job seeking.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007586 Job Application Process of applying for employment. It includes written application for employment or personal appearance. Employment Application,Resume, Job,Application, Employment,Application, Job,Applications, Employment,Applications, Job,Employment Applications,Job Applications,Job Resume,Job Resumes,Resumes, Job
D008297 Male Males
D008875 Middle Aged An adult aged 45 - 64 years. Middle Age
D008960 Models, Psychological Theoretical representations that simulate psychological processes and/or social processes. These include the use of mathematical equations, computers, and other electronic equipment. Model, Mental,Model, Psychological,Models, Mental,Models, Psychologic,Psychological Models,Mental Model,Mental Models,Model, Psychologic,Psychologic Model,Psychologic Models,Psychological Model
D012044 Regression Analysis Procedures for finding the mathematical function which best describes the relationship between a dependent variable and one or more independent variables. In linear regression (see LINEAR MODELS) the relationship is constrained to be a straight line and LEAST-SQUARES ANALYSIS is used to determine the best fit. In logistic regression (see LOGISTIC MODELS) the dependent variable is qualitative rather than continuously variable and LIKELIHOOD FUNCTIONS are used to find the best relationship. In multiple regression, the dependent variable is considered to depend on more than a single independent variable. Regression Diagnostics,Statistical Regression,Analysis, Regression,Analyses, Regression,Diagnostics, Regression,Regression Analyses,Regression, Statistical,Regressions, Statistical,Statistical Regressions
D004493 Education Acquisition of knowledge as a result of instruction in a formal course of study. Literacy Programs,Training Programs,Activities, Educational,Educational Activities,Workshops,Activity, Educational,Educational Activity,Literacy Program,Program, Literacy,Program, Training,Programs, Literacy,Programs, Training,Training Program,Workshop
D005260 Female Females
D006040 Goals The end-result or objective, which may be specified or required in advance. Goal
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D014478 Unemployment The state of not being engaged in a gainful occupation.

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