The Impact of Metaverse Perception on the Perception of Decent Work in the Future: A Study on Students of a Foundation University

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of individuals' perception of the metaverse on their perception of decent work in the future. In the study, 422 students studying at a foundation university in Istanbul were reached by using a survey method and a convenience sampling technique. SPSS 21.0 and AMOS 22.0 statistical software were used in the analysis of the collected data. Confirmatory factor analysis, item-total correlation, and Cronbach's Alpha types of analysis were used within the scope of the validity and reliability studies of the scales. Cronbach's Alpha coefficient of the Metaverse Scale was calculated as 0.90, and the Decent Work Scale was calculated as 0.81, and it was understood that the scales were reliable and valid. According to the results of the analysis, it was determined that the participants' knowledge, attitude, and awareness level towards the metaverse had a significant effect on their decent work expectations. A high correlation level was determined between the dimensions in the Metaverse scale. It was seen that the four dimensions in the Metaverse scale explained approximately 18% of the variance in decent work expectations. The research makes an important contribution in terms of understanding how the concept of decent work in the future is shaped by the perception of the metaverse and providing guiding information to employers and human resources professionals. The study can be said that the positive perception of the young generation, who will be entering business life, towards metaverse technologies may encourage employers to invest in these technologies in the future.