The effect of youth unemployment on working values: A study on young people not in education, employment and training (NEET)

Youth unemployment is a global problem with multiple effects. The concept of not in education, employment or training refers to a heterogeneous group that has grown in recent years. These two concepts are discussed extensively in the literature, especially in terms of the problems they create for developing economies and the inadequacy of solution efforts to achieve success. On the other hand, the concept of working values is a concept that covers the individual's perspective on working life and expectations from working life. In the rapidly changing world with the focus of technology, globalization and digital transformation, the lifestyles of individuals, societies and organizations are also changing. In this context, the working values of young people gain a different importance in the transforming working life. This study examines the effects of youth unemployment on work values among young people who are not in education, employment or training. The differences in the work values of the young unemployed were measured by their unemployment experiences. First of all, each fact was handled conceptually, and the national and international situation was presented by current and past indicators. In addition, these concepts were evaluated with new working life elements in different dimensions from the perspective of the youth. Then, youth unemployment and work values were discussed in the relation to the facts, and working values have been examined under the influence of digitalization, flexible working styles and the COVID-19 pandemic. The universe of the study for the research was determined as young people between the ages of 15-24 who are not in education, employment or training in Izmir. In this context, the sample was determined as 384 people and data was collected by survey method. By excluding inappropriate questionnaires, 397 questionnaires were included in the study. The Lyons Work Values Survey (LWVS) was used to measure work values. Confirmatory factor analysis was applied to the scale and the compatibility of the existing structure of the scale with the sample was demonstrated. One-Way ANOVA and Independent Sample T-Test were applied in relational analyses. As a result of the analyzes, it has been revealed that there are differences between the education levels of the young unemployed, whether they have previous work experience, the duration of being unemployed, and the sub-dimensions of working values. Keywords: Youth Unemployment, Work Values, NEET