네트워크와 자기효능감이 노인의 구직활동에 미치는 영향력: 디지털 리터러시의 매개효과를 중심으로

Although the labor force participation rate of older adults is steadily increasing, there is relatively little academic interest in the factors that promote the economic participation of the elderly. In particular, there is a lack of diverse ways to utilize it in job hunting. While the importance of networks in the labor market is well-known, research on the relationship between networks and the employment status of older workers is insufficient. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of seniors' networks and self-efficacy on their job-seeking activities, and to analyze the mediating effect of digital literacy in these causal relationships, making it a multidisciplinary study. The subjects of this study were convenience-sampled elderly individuals aged 60 and above residing in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do. The survey was conducted from March 3 to April 15, 2024, and out of a total of 400 questionnaires, 382 valid responses, excluding missing data, were used for analysis. The results of the study are as follows. First, the informal networks of the elderly were found to have a significant positive (+) impact on job-seeking activities. Second, the self-efficacy of the elderly was found to have a significant positive (+) impact on job-seeking activities. Third, the mediating effect of digital literacy was observed, indicating that digital literacy mediates the relationship between informal networks, self-efficacy, and job-seeking activities. The results of this study suggest that digital literacy among the elderly is judged to be a key competency that influences social participation through information access, beyond mere technological acquisition. Therefore, in a digital society with a growing elderly population, strengthening digital literacy among older adults should go beyond simple technical training and involve tailored educational programs that include psychological support and policy linkage.