Work motivation of unemployed youths: Moderating effects of financial dependence on parents

Based upon a sample of 204 unemployed youths (mean age = 19.59, SD = 2.30) in Hong Kong, the present study investigates relationships between length of unemployment, job information acquisition, selfactualization, and work motivation, as well as the moderating effects of financial dependence on parents. The results generally supported the hypothesis that self-actualization was predictive of work motivation, while the length of unemployment and job information acquisition were not. Moreover, financial dependence on parents moderated the effect of length of unemployment on work motivation, as well as the effect of job information acquisition on work motivation; while the effect of selfactualization was not moderated. The results lent empirical support to the proposition of empowerment theory; and added new evidence to the interplay between unemployment, deprivation, information acquisition, and familism in explanations of work motivation. The results suggest some ways to elevate the work motivation of unemployed youth.