Application of the Social Cognitive Career theory to investigating the factors influencing rural youth intention toward job in agriculture sector (the case of Baghmalek Township)

Agriculture plays a pivotal role for economic growth and rural development through providing food requirement and job opportunities in developed country. Furthermore, the future development of agriculture in each country is based on rural youth. As such, these are not, of course, completely separate or mutually exclusive; in fact, they should go hand in hand for their future survival. The purpose of this study was investigating rural youth’ intention toward agriculture jobs in Baghmalek Township. To achieving this purpose the present study uses the theory of Social Cognitive Career, as a research framework. The population of interest was rural youth between 15 to 29 years old in Baghmalek Township.The study sample (270) was selected through a multi stage cluster sampling. The reliability and validity of the instruments were examined and approved. Pearson correlation analysis was revealed that intention had a positive direct relation with self-efficacy, expected result, other behavior and facilitation and have a negative relation with barriers. Multiple regression analysis showed that Self-efficacy, outcome expectations, understanding other's behavior, interests and barriers can predict 74% of variances in youth intention toward agriculture jobs.