University Freshmens Career Decision-Making and Psychological Capital: A Comparative Study between the Pre-ODI and Post-ODI at ABC University China

This study explores using an Organization Development Intervention (ODI), incorporating Appreciative Inquiry (A.I.) and SMART goal-setting to change the Psychological Capital (PsyCap) of Chinese first-year university students in enhancing their Career Decision-Making (CDM) abilities. A mixed-methods approach was employed with 60 first-year student volunteers. Surveys and focus group interviews were conducted before and after the intervention for quantitative and qualitative data collection. Reflection reports during the ODI process were gathered to provide further evidence to support the qualitative research. After six weeks of intervention, mixed results were produced. In the quantitative analysis, significant improvements were observed in the PsyCap components of self-efficacy and resilience, while hope and optimism showed moderate change. In contrast, qualitative findings indicated notable positive changes in students’ attitudes, behaviors, and clarity regarding career planning, demonstrating that the ODI contributes meaningfully to their PsyCap and CDM development. These findings suggest that universities should embed structured interventions into first-year early-stage courses to strengthen students’ psychological resources and prepare them for the evolving labor market.