Career autonomy in vocational higher education: the role of cultural values and social support

Purpose This study aims to explore the influence of parents, family, neighbors, friends, social figures and cultural values on career autonomy, which is associated with individual freedom and social interdependence. Furthermore, this study also examines significant differences in these influences among first-semester undergraduate vocational higher education students in Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach This study employs a correlational design with a sample of 243 first-semester undergraduate vocational higher education students. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire adapted from self-determination theory (SDT) and social cognitive career theory (SCCT). The data were analyzed using PLS-SEM to examine the relationship between cultural values, individual agency and social interdependence. Findings The findings of this study indicate that peer factors are a prominent predictor of career autonomy in the student sample studied. Furthermore, cultural values appear to play a role in shaping perceptions of social freedom and independence in this context. Originality/value This study integrates SDT and SCCT to offer a new perspective on “autonomy in relatedness” in non-Western societies. Its main contribution is to demonstrate that in collectivist cultures, autonomy does not mean separation from others, but rather the ability to navigate choices independently within a network of social support.