Increasing career confidence of emerging adults: assessing the influence of vocational anticipatory socialization and work ethics

ABSTRACT

During an emerging adult’s career decision-making and development, the work ethic is defined as an individual’s commitment to valuing work and believing that doing a good job requires hard work, is thought to positively influence career confidence. However, researchers do not fully understand how work ethics develop and impact career confidence. The current study examined associations between the sources of vocational anticipatory socialization (VAS) and the dimensions of work ethics on career confidence. Results show both positive (i.e. part-time jobs, traditional media) and negative (i.e. schools) associations between VAS sources and work ethics. Career confidence was shown to be positively associated with both VAS sources and work ethics.

KEYWORDS:

• Career confidence
• career decision making
• vocational anticipatory socialization
• emerging adults

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Melinda Aley

Melinda Aley (Ph.D., Michigan State University) is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication at Montana State University Billings. Her research examines how socializing messages received in childhood influence identity development in adulthood, with a focus on career development and gender identity.

Kenneth J. Levine

Kenneth J. Levine (Ph.D Michigan State University) is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication at the University at Albany, SUNY. His research examines the impact that messages have on receivers on issues such as vocational anticipatory socialization, organizational culture, and leadership.