Influence of Work Motivation, Interpersonal Skills, and Knowledge Construction on the Work Readiness of Vocational Students

Abstract

Vocational high schools play an important role in connecting graduates to industry to provide professional workforce input. However, modern times demand an increase in the quality of complex human resources to effectively prepare them to work in the industry. This study examined the relationship between the effects of interpersonal skills and constructive knowledge on work readiness through work motivation. A quantitatively inferential method with a population of vocational high school students was employed. Data were obtained using the structural equation model with the analysis of moment structure 2.4 version application. The research findings showed that interpersonal skills and constructive knowledge have a significant positive effect on work readiness and work motivation interferes with the influence of interpersonal skills and constructive knowledge on work readiness. The results suggest that vocational schools that focus on work readiness need to pay attention to interpersonal skills, constructive knowledge, and work motivation, since they are essential for students. Moreover, this study implies that if we want to improve students’ work readiness, we must enhance their interpersonal skills and constructive knowledge of teaching and learning in vocational schools. Further research should empirically examine this issue to explore other factors that affect students’ work readiness.