Self-perceived employability of undergraduate students during the COVID-19 pandemic: the role of traits, knowledge sharing and trust
Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education
ISSN: 2050-7003
Article publication date: 3 July 2023
Issue publication date: 5 March 2024
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the impact of personality traits on self-perceived employability (SPE) and test if the associations are mediated by knowledge sharing (KS) through online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the moderation effect of trust in the relationship between KS and SPE was examined.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on Big Five Personality Trait Model and KS model, the authors proposed and tested the research framework with 341 samples collected from university students who experienced online learning during the social distancing caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The measurement model was assessed to confirm the validity and reliability of the structure, then hypothesis testing was performed with the partial least square-structural equational model (PLS-SEM).
Findings
The results showed that extraversion and agreeableness positively affected SPE through KS. Moreover, trust played a moderating role on the effect of KS on SPE.
Practical implications
Based on the research findings, the authors suggest that academic institutions, especially universities, should provide opportunities for students to explore their personality traits. Second, the university should organize specific activities that promote knowledge sharing among students. Third, the university should encourage the creation of platforms aimed at sharing knowledge in a reliable way that increases trust in responsiveness.
Originality/value
The present study contributes to the literature on SPE by presenting immediate empirical evidence on the relationship between personality traits and SPE, along with mediating and moderating effects. These findings provide meaningful implications for higher education institutions that implement online learning during challenging circumstances.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The present study is a part of the research project of Foreign Trade University, Vietnam, Code: NTCS2021-69. The authors would like to thank M.Sc. Pham Thanh Dung and Ms. Nguyen Thi Huynh Mai for their constructive comments on our paper.
Citation
Nguyen, D.T., Nguyen, T.N.H., Luu, V.B., Bui, V.K. and Nguyen, T.M. (2024), "Self-perceived employability of undergraduate students during the COVID-19 pandemic: the role of traits, knowledge sharing and trust", Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, Vol. 16 No. 2, pp. 650-661. https://doi.org/10.1108/JARHE-10-2022-0316
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited