THE MEDIATING ROLE OF CAREER DETERMINATION IN THE EFFECT OF ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT ON THE PERCEPTION OF DECENT WORK

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the mediating role of career decisiveness in the relationship between academic achievement and the perception of decent work. Within this framework, the research investigates how career decisiveness influences the interaction between individuals’ academic success and their professional expectations. Employing a quantitative research design, the study was conducted using a survey model, and data were collected from 412 university students. Analyses were carried out using SPSS and AMOS, through confirmatory factor analysis, correlation analysis, and mediation path analysis. The findings indicate a significant relationship between academic achievement and the perception of decent work, with career decisiveness serving as a meaningful mediator in this interaction. These results suggest that career decisiveness plays a critical role in transforming students’ academic accomplishments into future work-related expectations. Accordingly, it is recommended that higher education institutions structure their career guidance practices not only to enhance academic performance but also to support the development of students’ career decision-making competencies.