Gig Intentions in Management Students: Integrating JD-R in an Extended TPB Model

Abstract

Gig economy is being increasingly popular globally across the sectors, positions and types of jobs. Despite the growing awareness of the benefits and challenges associated with gig jobs, little is known about what drives the younger generation to take up gig careers. The present study attempts to address this gap and better explain gig work intentions through extended TPB theory. The study rests on the premise that job seekers’ attitude towards gig jobs, belief in self-efficacy and the prevailing social norms influences the decision to make a gig career choice. Apart from these basic constructs of TPB model, impact of two additional factors (gig personality traits and gig work environment consisting of gig job demands and gig job resources based on JD-R model) on gig job intentions was measured to get a deeper understanding on predictors of gig jobs choices. Based on analysis of 471 responses from business management students studying in NIRF listed business schools in India, the study empirically reveals that all three basic constructs-gig job attitude, gig self-efficacy and social norms significantly influence management student’s gig job intentions. Gig job demands had a significant negative whereas gig job resources had a positive relationship with gig job intentions. The three personality traits did not have any direct significant relationship with gig job intentions. But the mediating role of gig job attitude between gig personality traits was also confirmed. The findings of the study contribute to literature on factors driving choice of gig jobs. It has huge implications for policy makers, organizations, business schools as well as society in general.