Big Five Personality Traits on Migration Intention Among Terengganu Graduates

Abstract

The migration of college graduates is commonly associated with economic, social, or environmental challenges. This phenomenon of graduate migration is prevalent in Malaysia, including Terengganu. According to a 2020 report from the Department of Statistics Malaysia, urban-urban migration rates in Malaysia are notably high, potentially contributing to a brain drain in Terengganu. This research investigates the relationship between the Big Five personality traits and the migration intentions of 436 Terengganu graduates using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis. The findings reveal that the dimensions of Conscientiousness, Emotional Stability, and Openness to New Experiences significantly influence migration intentions. The utilization of PLS-SEM enables a comprehensive exploration of the relationships among variables and delivers a robust data analysis. The implications of this study can prove valuable to various stakeholders, including graduates, the government, universities, and others, in devising strategies to enhance graduates’ living standards and personal traits. Nonetheless, certain limitations such as respondent distribution, sampling procedures, and financial constraints exist in this study. Future studies and policy implementation should consider these limitations carefully.