From jobs to careers: drivers and barriers to career development in emerging labor markets

Provisionally accepted

The objectives of this study are to reveal the intrinsic and extrinsic dynamics of career development in emerging labor markets, and to explore the impact of dynamics and barriers on career development. Using research methods such as questionnaires and in-depth interviews, 700 questionnaires were distributed to five countries, namely China, the United States, Japan, Germany, and India, to investigate career development in artificial intelligence and big data, new energy and environmental protection, e-commerce and sharing economy, modern agriculture, and healthcare. The results show that career development motivation has a significant positive effect on career satisfaction, and individuals with high career satisfaction perceive fewer career barriers and have a significant effect on career development opportunities and salary satisfaction. Occupational barriers significantly affect the perception of occupational discrimination, and individuals who feel occupational barriers are more likely to feel occupational discrimination. Labor market policies should be optimized to support the development of emerging occupations, create a fair and inclusive work environment, reduce gender, age and racial discrimination, provide employee support programs, promote technological innovation, create high-tech employment opportunities, and support the digital transformation of enterprises.