Applicability of the Extended Theory of Planned Behavior in Predicting Job Seeker Intentions to Use Job-Search Websites

Abstract

Although use of the Internet for job searching is rapidly increasing, the motivations for using electronic recruitment (e-recruitment) services by job seekers have seldom been addressed. Derived from the extended theory of planned behavior, this study develops a research model for the empirical examination of factors affecting job seeker intentions to use job-search websites. Utilizing data collected from 174 participants in Taiwan, various relationships in the research model are tested using structural equation modeling approach. The results showed that job seeker attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control significantly affected their intentions to use job-search websites. Also, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use showed a significant effect on attitude, interpersonal influence on subjective norm, and perceived ease of use and self-efficacy on perceived behavioral control. However, external influence was found to be an insignificant predictor of subjective norm. In addition to providing further insight into the factors that influence job seeker intentions to use job-search websites, this study offers valuable suggestions for subsequent research and practitioners investigating the use of e-recruitment services.