Developing and Validating a Culturally-Based Career Search Efficacy Scale for Vocational School Students in Aceh

  • Asriyana Asriyana 
    Universitas Negeri Semarang
    Indonesia
  • DYP Sugiharto
    Universitas Negeri Semarang
    Indonesia
  • Sunawan Sunawan
    Universitas Negeri Semarang
    Indonesia
  • Heru Mugiarso
    Universitas Negeri Semarang
    Indonesia

Abstract

This study aimed to develop and validate a culturally grounded Career Search Self-Efficacy (CSSE) scale for Acehnese vocational students. Using a sequential exploratory mixed-methods design, the qualitative phase elicited culturally relevant indicators through interviews with students and counselors and a focus group discussion, resulting in 91 preliminary items. These included culturally grounded dimensions such as parental blessing and family deliberation (musyawarah), seeking jobs consistent with Islamic (halal) values, and Acehnese etiquette in communication (e.g., greeting with Assalamu’alaikum). Expert review by specialists in measurement, counseling, and Acehnese culture refined the items for clarity, representativeness, and cultural appropriateness. The quantitative phase involved 1,307 students from vocational schools in Banda Aceh, divided into subsamples for exploratory factor analysis (EFA, n = 579) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA, n = 728). EFA yielded a five-factor solution Networking Efficacy, Career Exploration Efficacy, Interview Efficacy, Personal Exploration Efficacy, and Family Support which explained 41.7% of the variance. CFA confirmed the five-dimension structure with acceptable-to-good fit indices (CFI = .934, TLI = .923, IFI = .953, GFI = 0.942; RMSEA = .045; SRMR = .042; NFI = .884). Convergent validity was borderline (AVE ≈ .35–.50) but supported by significant loadings and composite reliability, while discriminant validity was satisfied. Reliability was acceptable overall (α = 0.822, ω = 0.817), though Interview and Personal Exploration were slightly below .70. Criterion validity was supported through positive correlations with Career Decision Self-Efficacy (CDSE-SF) and Student Life Satisfaction (SLSS), with Family Support showing the strongest associations. Theoretically, the results extend CSSE and Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) by identifying Family Support as an independent efficacy domain in a collectivist setting. Practically, the Aceh-Based CSSE Scale provides school counselors with a diagnostic tool for culturally responsive career interventions that integrate family and community supports.

Keywords
  • Career search efficacy
  • Cultural validation
  • Vocational education
  • Acehnese students
Lisensing Information
Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite
Asriyana, A., Sugiharto, D., Sunawan, S., & Mugiarso, H. (2025). Developing and Validating a Culturally-Based Career Search Efficacy Scale for Vocational School Students in Aceh. KONSELOR, 14(3), 289–302. https://doi.org/10.24036/02025143140-0-86
Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX
References
  1. Ahmed, S. K., Mohammed, R. A., Nashwan, A. J., Ibrahim, R. H., Abdalla, A. Q., M. Ameen, B. M., & Khdhir, R. M. (2025). Using thematic analysis in qualitative research. Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health, 6(March), 100198. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100198
  2. Ahn, J., Kim, H. W., & Lee, J. Y. (2021). A Cross-Cultural Study of Calling and Life Satisfaction in the United States and South Korea. Journal of Career Development, 48(4), 354–368. https://doi.org/10.1177/0894845319882103
  3. Alan Bryman. (2008). Social Research Methodology. Social Research Methodology. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-230-22911-2
  4. Ali, S. R., & Menke, K. A. (2014). Rural Latino Youth Career Development: An Application of Social Cognitive Career Theory. The Career Development Quarterly, 62(2), 175–186. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2161-0045.2014.00078.x
  5. Almanasreh, E., Moles, R., & Chen, T. F. (2019). Evaluation of methods used for estimating content validity. Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy, 15(2), 214–221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sapharm.2018.03.066
  6. Aminah, S., Hidayah, N., Hanurawan, F., & Indreswari, H. (2024). Tailoring of the career adaptabilities scale for Indonesian youth. Children and Youth Services Review, 166(September), 107914. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2024.107914
  7. Anna B. Costello and Jason W. Osborne. (2005). Best Practices in Exploratory Factor Analysis: Four Recommendations for Getting the Most From Your Analysis. Practical Assessment Research & Evaluation, vol 10, no, 135–138. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.7275/jyj1-4868
  8. Badan Pusat Statistik Indonesia. (2024). Keadaan Angkatan Kerja Di Indonesia Agustus 2024 (Vol. 46). Badan Pusat Statistik. https://www.bps.go.id/id/publication/2024/12/09/6f1fd1036968c8a28e4cfe26/keadaan-angkatan-kerja-di-indonesia-agustus-2024.html
  9. BPS Provinsi Aceh. (2024). Keadaan Ketenagakerjaan Indonesia Agustus 2024. Badan Pusat Statistik, 11(84), 1–28.
  10. BPS Provinsi Aceh. (2025). Keadaan Ketenagakerjaan Aceh Februari 2025. Badan Pusat Statistik, 35, 1–28. https://www.bps.go.id/pressrelease/2023/05/05/2001/februari-2023--tingkat-pengangguran-terbuka--tpt--sebesar-5-45-persen-dan-rata-rata-upah-buruh-sebesar-2-94-juta-rupiah-per-bulan.html
  11. Cheung, G. W., Cooper-Thomas, H. D., Lau, R. S., & Wang, L. C. (2024). Reporting reliability, convergent and discriminant validity with structural equation modeling: A review and best-practice recommendations. In Asia Pacific Journal of Management (Vol. 41, Issue 2). Springer US. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10490-023-09871-y
  12. Creed, P. A., & Gagliardi, R. E. (2015). Career Compromise, Career Distress, and Perceptions of Employability: The Moderating Roles of Social Capital and Core Self-Evaluations. Journal of Career Assessment, 23(1), 20–34. https://doi.org/10.1177/1069072714523082
  13. Creed, P. A., Sawitri, D. R., Hood, M., & Hu, S. (2021). Career Goal Setting and Goal Pursuit in Young Adults: The Role of Financial Distress. Journal of Career Development, 48(6), 801–816. https://doi.org/10.1177/0894845319897136
  14. Denise F. Polit, F. M. Y. (2016). Measurement and the Measurement of Change: A Primer for the Health Professions. Wolters Kluwer.
  15. Dunn, T. J., Baguley, T., & Brunsden, V. (2014). From alpha to omega: A practical solution to the pervasive problem of internal consistency estimation. British Journal of Psychology, 105(3), 399–412. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjop.12046
  16. Etikan, I. (2017). Sampling and Sampling Methods. Biometrics & Biostatistics International Journal, 5(6), 215–217. https://doi.org/10.15406/bbij.2017.05.00149
  17. Fatmi, N., & Fauzan, F. (2022). Kajian Pendekatan Etnopedagogi Dalam Pendidikan Melalui Kearifan Lokal Aceh. Al-Madaris Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Studi Keislaman, 3(2), 31–41. https://doi.org/10.47887/amd.v3i2.98
  18. Fornell, C., & Larcker, D. F. (1981). Evaluating Structural Equation Models with Unobservable Variables and Measurement Error. Journal of Marketing Research, 18(1), 39–50. https://doi.org/10.1177/002224378101800104
  19. Garcia, E. A., McWhirter, E. H., & Cendejas, C. (2021). Outcomes of Career Information System Utilization Among First-Year High School Students. Journal of Career Development, 48(5), 767–780. https://doi.org/10.1177/0894845319890930
  20. Goretzko, D., Siemund, K., & Sterner, P. (2024). Evaluating Model Fit of Measurement Models in Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 84(1), 123–144. https://doi.org/10.1177/00131644231163813
  21. Harun, M., Ibrahim, H., & Iskandar, D. (2015). Revitalisasi nilai etos kerja dalam. Of EST, 1(3), 75–84.
  22. Hayati, K., Pada, A. U. T., & Mawarpury, M. (2023). Content Validity of Collective Efficacy Questionnaire for Natural Disasters Based on Aceh Local Wisdom. E3S Web of Conferences, 447, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202344704004
  23. Hong, R., Romans, J. S. C., Koch, J. M., & Ramakrishnan, N. (2022). Impact of Cultural Individualism and Collectivism on Protean and Boundaryless Career Attitudes and Job Satisfaction. Journal of Career Development, 49(1), 218–231. https://doi.org/10.1177/0894845320922608
  24. Idris, M. A., & Suroto. (2023). Optimizing Character Education through Local Wisdom in Aceh: Approaches, Obstacles, and Solutions. Didaktika Religia: Journal of Islamic Education, 11(1), 51–72.
  25. John W. Creswell, J. D. C. (2018). No TitleResearch Design Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (Fifth Edit). SAGE Publications, Inc.
  26. Joseph F. Hair Jr, W. C. B., & Barry J. Babin, R. E. A. (2019). Multivariate Data Analysise (Eighth Edi). Cengage Learning, EMEA.
  27. Kallio, H., Pietilä, A. M., Johnson, M., & Kangasniemi, M. (2016). Systematic methodological review: developing a framework for a qualitative semi-structured interview guide. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 72(12), 2954–2965. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.13031
  28. Kholifah, N., Nurtanto, M., Mutohhari, F., Hamid, M. A., Mutiara, I., Setiawan, D., & Saputro, I. N. (2025). Factors influencing student career choice in vocational education in Indonesia: A mediating effect of self-efficacy. Social Sciences and Humanities Open, 11(December 2024), 101369. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101369
  29. Kim, Y. H., O’Brien, K. M., & Kim, H. (2016). Measuring Career Aspirations Across Cultures: Using the Career Aspiration Scale With Young Korean Women. Journal of Career Assessment, 24(3), 573–585. https://doi.org/10.1177/1069072715599538
  30. Lent, R. W., Brown, S. D., & Hackett, G. (1994). Toward a Unifying Social Cognitive Theory of Career and Academic Interest, Choice, and Performance. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 45(1), 79–122. https://doi.org/10.1006/jvbe.1994.1027
  31. Malhotra, N. K. (2010). [ISBN 978-0-13-608543-0] Naresh K. Malhotra - Marketing Research- An Applied Orientation (0).pdf.
  32. McCarthy, J., & Goffin, R. (2004). Measuring Job Interview Anxiety: Beyond Weak Knees and Sweaty Palms. Personnel Psychology, 57(3), 607–637. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1744-6570.2004.00002.x
  33. Nucifera, Prima, M. T. H. (2017). Analisis Nilai-Nilai Kearifan Lokal Aceh Melalui Literasi Media. Metamorfosa, 7, 211–222. https://ejournal.bbg.ac.id/metamorfosa/article/view/317/952
  34. Palinkas, L. A., Horwitz, S. M., Green, C. A., Wisdom, J. P., Duan, N., & Hoagwood, K. (2015). Purposeful Sampling for Qualitative Data Collection and Analysis in Mixed Method Implementation Research. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 42(5), 533–544. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-013-0528-y
  35. Park, I. J., Han, K., & Ryu, K. (2021). Development and Validation of a Career Future Time Perspective Scale. Journal of Career Development, 48(5), 701–714. https://doi.org/10.1177/0894845319887810
  36. Ponce, O. A., & Pagán-Maldonado, N. (2015). Mixed Methods Research in Education: Capturing the Complexity of the Profession. International Journal of Educational Excellence, 1(1), 111–135. https://doi.org/10.18562/ijee.2015.0005
  37. Reni Juliani, Hafied Cangara, A. A. U. (2015). KOMUNIKASI ANTARBUDAYA ETNIS ACEH DAN BUGIS-MAKASSAR MELALUI ASIMILASI PERKAWINAN DI KOTA MAKASSAR. Komunikasi KAREBA, 4(1), 282. https://repository.penerbitwidina.com/media/publications/566902-komunikasi-antarbudaya-cd80435d.pdf
  38. Robinson, O. C. (2014). Sampling in Interview-Based Qualitative Research: A Theoretical and Practical Guide. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 11(1), 25–41. https://doi.org/10.1080/14780887.2013.801543
  39. Saks, A. M., & Ashforth, B. E. (2002). Is job search related to employment quality? It all depends on the fit. Journal of Applied Psychology, 87(4), 646–654. https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-9010.87.4.646
  40. Sawitri, D. R., Creed, P. A., & Perdhana, M. S. (2021). The Discrepancies Between Individual-Set and Parent-Set Career Goals Scale: Development and Initial Validation. Journal of Career Development, 48(5), 654–669. https://doi.org/10.1177/0894845320901795
  41. Sawitri, D. R., Creed, P. A., & Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J. (2014). Parental influences and adolescent career behaviours in a collectivist cultural setting. International Journal for Educational and Vocational Guidance, 14(2), 161–180. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10775-013-9247-x
  42. Solberg, V. S., Good, G. E., Nord, D., Holm, C., Hohner, R., Zima, N., Heffernan, M., & Malen, A. (1994). Assessing Career Search Expectations: Development and Validation of the Career Search Efficacy Scale. Journal of Career Assessment, 2(2), 111–123. https://doi.org/10.1177/106907279400200202
  43. Suresh, K., & Chandrashekara, S. (2012). Sample size estimation and power analysis for clinical research studies. Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences, 5(1), 7–13. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-1208.97779
  44. Syahputera, I., Sunarti, S., Wahyono, T. T., Yani, Z., Nurwanti, Y. H., Herlinawati, L., Syahrul, N., & Musfeptial, M. (2024). The role of “Hadih Maja” as an Acehnese oral tradition in supporting UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 agendas: an eco-criticism analysis. Cogent Social Sciences, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2024.2388330
  45. Trizano-Hermosilla, I., & Alvarado, J. M. (2016). Best alternatives to Cronbach’s alpha reliability in realistic conditions: Congeneric and asymmetrical measurements. Frontiers in Psychology, 7(MAY), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00769
  46. van Laar, S., & Braeken, J. (2022). Caught off Base: A Note on the Interpretation of Incremental Fit Indices. Structural Equation Modeling, 29(6), 935–943. https://doi.org/10.1080/10705511.2022.2050730
Check for updates

Issue

Downloads

PDF

Statistic

Abstract Views
: 41 times
PDF
: 46 times