Effects of Job Previews on Self-Selection and Job Choice

• Published in: Journal of vocational behavior 1994-06, Vol.44 (3), p.297-316
• Main Authors: Saks, A.M., Wiesner, W.H., Summers, R.J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Career Choice; Career Planning; Expectancy Theory; Job Application; Occupational Information; Self Efficacy; Self Selection; Undergraduate Students
• ISSN: 0001-8791; 1095-9084
• DOI: 10.1006/jvbe.1994.1020

Although the self-selection matching hypothesis is considered to be an integral part of the psychological effects of realistic job previews (RJPs), several writers have concluded that self-selection is not a valid explanation for the effect of RJPs on job survival (Colarelli, 1984; Reilly, Brown, Blood, & Malatesta, 1981). This conclusion, however, is based on research that has measured job acceptance rates as a surrogate measure for self-selection (Rynes, 1991; Wanous & Colella, 1989) and research that has often ignored the perception of choice boundary condition of RJPs (Breaugh, 1983). In the present study, a simulation of the job choice process was conducted in which 138 undergraduate commerce students were randomly assigned to either a one-job preview condition (an RJP or a traditional job preview, TJP) or a two-job preview condition (RJP and TJP) in order to examine the effects of job previews on self-selection and job choice. In addition, we also tested expectancy theory as a theoretical model to explain the effects of job previews on job choice. The relation between self-efficacy and job choice was also examined. As expected, differences in job acceptance rates were only found in the two-job preview condition in which most subjects (71.4%) selected the traditional job preview. Support was also found for the effect of job previews on self-selection and for expectancy theory as a model for the effects of job previews on job choice. Further, subjects with stronger self-efficacy beliefs were more likely to choose the RJP than the TJP, and self-efficacy significantly increased the accuracy of the expectancy theory model in predicting subjects′ job choice decision. Both the practical and research implications of the effects of job previews on self-selection and job choice are discussed.