Exploring freelancing before and during the Covid-19 pandemic: The relationship of self-efficacy beliefs, outcome expectations, and goals

• Main Authors: Arellano, Aila Jenya S., Tan, Sophia Joyce A., Urbano, Anna Marielle L.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2021
• Subjects: Self-employed > Philippines; Self-efficacy; Business Administration, Management, and Operations
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etdb_manorg/2; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1004&context=etdb_manorg
• Institution: De La Salle University

With the purpose of exploring the overall career planning and development process of Filipino freelancers, this study utilizes exploratory research design through focus group discussions. A total of 23 freelancers participated in focus group discussions where their freelance experiences were explored. Guided by the Social Cognitive Career Theory by Lent, Brown, and Hackett, the results indicate that interest in freelancing is influenced by various sources of self-efficacy beliefs and outcome expectations but no significant patterns arise with regards to differences in gender and freelance start date. Moreover, commitment and persistence in freelance careers are not strongly influenced by past performance accomplishments over the course of the career. With regards to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, only the groups of freelancers who started before the pandemic cited significant changes to their work environments but its effects to individual career outlooks varied. Other emerging themes were identified in congruence with the models followed by practical implications for different segments in society.