Factors Influencing Employment Satisfaction of Vocational College Graduates: The Self-Determination Theory Perspectives

Libiao Xu(1*), Sri Suryanti(2)


(1) Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep
(2) Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep
(*) Corresponding Author

Abstract


Against the backdrop of a changing global employment landscape, this study examines the employment satisfaction of vocational college graduates, a critical factor for career development, social stability, and economic growth. Motivated to understand how psychological needs shape employment outcomes, the research uses Self-Determination Theory to explore how autonomy, competence, and relatedness needs influence satisfaction among 400 graduates (2021–2023) from Fuzhou Software Technology Vocational College via questionnaire surveys. These needs were chosen as they reflect fundamental psychological drivers of human behavior, central to job satisfaction. Results show that all three needs correlate positively with satisfaction, with relatedness having the strongest impact, followed by autonomy. At the same time, competence’s independent effect is non-significant. Group differences exist across graduation years, employment statuses, and income levels. The study enriches the Self-Determination Theory’s application in vocational education employment and advises colleges to foster student autonomy and enterprises to offer growth opportunities. Future research should expand sample diversity, adopt longitudinal designs, and address emerging employment trends.


Keywords


Vocational college graduates; Employment satisfaction; Self-Determination Theory; Influencing factors

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References


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