Post-pandemic job market: an analysis of factors influencing university students’ willingness for flexible employment based on SEM-ANN-fsQCA

Quanling Cai (), Weidong Chen (), Mingxing Wang and Kaisheng Di
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Quanling Cai: Tianjin University
Weidong Chen: Tianjin University
Mingxing Wang: Qinghai University
Kaisheng Di: Tianjin University

Palgrave Communications, 2025, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-18

Abstract: Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped global work patterns, making flexible employment a critical issue. This study investigates how self-determination efficacy influences university students’ willingness to pursue flexible jobs in China. Using data from 1270 survey responses, we applied Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), and Fuzzy-Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA). The results show that self-determination efficacy positively affects students’ willingness to pursue flexible employment directly and indirectly through mediating factors like work-life balance, job satisfaction, and perceived self-development. The ANN model reveals complex nonlinear relationships, indicating that the impact of self-determination efficacy on employment intention is not linear. Furthermore, fsQCA identifies multiple pathways under different conditions, highlighting the importance of self-determination efficacy in specific contexts. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers and higher education institutions on promoting flexible employment among students.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-05117-y

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