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

Author

Listed:
  • Quanling Cai

    (Tianjin University
    Qinghai Minzu University)

  • Weidong Chen

    (Tianjin University)

  • Mingxing Wang

    (Qinghai University)

  • Kaisheng Di

    (Tianjin University
    Qinghai Minzu University)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Quanling Cai & Weidong Chen & Mingxing Wang & Kaisheng Di, 2025. "Post-pandemic job market: an analysis of factors influencing university students’ willingness for flexible employment based on SEM-ANN-fsQCA," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 12(1), pages 1-18, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:12:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-025-05117-y
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-05117-y
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