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Antecedents and Consequences of Social Media Usage Behavior in Job Search: A Qualitative Study Toward a Conceptual Framework

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Inclusive Businesses in Developing Economies

Abstract

Job seekers and businesses are relying increasingly on social media recruitment. A more comprehensive understanding of social media usage behaviors in job search can enhance both job search and recruitment processes. This study develops a theoretical framework based on the technology acceptance model (TAM) and draws upon social exchange theory (SET) and uses and gratifications theory (UGT) to derive and validate the antecedent constructs of job-seeking behavior. Qualitative data was collected using depth interviews with 23 job seekers, from 3 metro cities in India. Respondents, selected via purposive sampling method, were interviewed in person (12) and online (11), post-assurance of privacy. Thematic analysis using Lincoln and Guba (Naturalistic inquiry. Sage, 1985) guidelines was conducted to ensure trustworthy findings. Behavioral constructs having multi-disciplinary perspectives from both SET and UGT are shown to influence job search behavior with social media. Ten antecedent constructs, five each from SET and UGT, are validated as predictors of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and intention to use social media for job search. Accordingly, a modified TAM framework is proposed. The study contributes toward enriching the extant literature on social media usage in job search.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. International Management Institute, Bhubaneswar, India

    N. V. Subbarao, Bindu Chhabra & Manit Mishra

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  1. N. V. Subbarao
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  2. Bindu Chhabra
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  3. Manit Mishra
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Correspondence to N. V. Subbarao .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Tecnologico de Monterrey, EGADE Business School, Mexico, Mexico

    Rajagopal

  2. International Management Institute, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

    Ramesh Behl

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Subbarao, N.V., Chhabra, B., Mishra, M. (2022). Antecedents and Consequences of Social Media Usage Behavior in Job Search: A Qualitative Study Toward a Conceptual Framework. In: Rajagopal, Behl, R. (eds) Inclusive Businesses in Developing Economies. Palgrave Studies in Democracy, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship for Growth. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-12217-0_11

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-12217-0_11

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  • Print ISBN: 978-3-031-12216-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-031-12217-0

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