THE EFFECT OF DECARBONIZATION SIGNAL ON JOB APPLICATION INTENTION: A PARALLEL MEDIATION MODEL

Abstract

This study examines how including decarbonization signals in job postings influences prospective job seekers' perceptions and intentions. Using an experimental approach with senior students (N=334), the research explored the effects of decarbonization signals on organizational attractiveness, person-organization fit, and intention to apply for a job vacancy. Participants viewed job postings either with or without explicit decarbonization signals from a fictitious company, "Victory Holding". Results confirmed that decarbonization signals significantly enhanced perceptions of environmental sensitivity (M=4.02 vs. M=3.51, p<.001), validating the manipulation. Mediation analysis revealed that while decarbonization signals did not directly affect job application intentions (β=.008, p=.831), both organizational attractiveness (β=.20, p<.001) and person-organization fit (β=.16, p=.003) mediated this relationship. Theoretical implications highlight organizational attractiveness and person-organization fit as parallel mediators in the relationship between environmental signals and job application intentions. This study underscores the strategic potential of decarbonization signals in enhancing organizational attractiveness to environmentally conscious talent.