Journal of Economics and Management Scienties
Volume 8 No. 2, March 2026 (Accepted)

Generation Z's Readiness for the Gig Economy: The Role of Digital Literacy, Self-Efficacy, and Career Orientation

Rahmatullah, Reska (Unknown)
Subagja, Ghia (Unknown)
Siregar, Lina Dameria (Unknown)
Najib, Ahmad Khoirun (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
26 Jan 2026

Abstract

Gig economy continues to expand rapidly, reshaping employment patterns among young generations, particularly Generation Z raised in digital environments. This study investigates the effects of digital literacy, self-efficacy, and career orientation on university students’ readiness for the gig economy. A quantitative approach was employed involving 227 Generation Z students from Universitas Sriwijaya. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The measurement model demonstrated strong validity and reliability, with factor loadings above 0.70, AVE values exceeding 0.50, and composite reliability above 0.90. The structural model showed substantial explanatory power (R² = 0.639; Q² = 0.403). Self-efficacy (β = 0.356) and career orientation (β = 0.358) emerged as the strongest predictors, while digital literacy also had a significant effect (β = 0.195). These findings highlight that gig economy readiness is shaped by the integration of digital competence, psychological capacity, and career clarity, underscoring the importance of strengthening digital literacy, self-efficacy development, and career planning services in higher education.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JEMS

Publisher

Subject

Computer Science & IT Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management Economics, Econometrics & Finance Library & Information Science Social Sciences

Description

Journal of Economics and Management Scienties is a peer-reviewed open access journal covering applied issues in micro and macroeconomics, including (but not limited to): Political Economy Law and Economics Environmental Economics Innovation Economics Health Economics Gender Economics International ...