DETERMINANTS OF RIDE-HAILING DRIVERS’ JOB ATTITUDES: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF JOB SATISFACTION

Authors

  • Pham Do Van Trung Ho Chi Minh City University of Education Corresponding Author
  • Truong Nhan Minh Ho Chi Minh City University of Education Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62985/j.huit_ojs.vol26.no3E.585

Keywords:

Job attitude, ride-hailing drivers, platform labor, job satisfaction, gig economy.

Abstract

This study examines the determinants of job attitudes among ride-hailing drivers in the context of a green mobility platform, Green SM, in Ho Chi Minh City. Prior research has primarily focused on conventional ride-hailing services, with limited attention to drivers operating on electric vehicle-based platforms. To address this gap, the study develops an integrated framework based on perceived value theory and job satisfaction theory. Using survey data from 700 ride-hailing drivers and applying PLS-SEM, the results show that perceived financial benefits and costs are the strongest predictors of job satisfaction. Job satisfaction serves as a central mediating mechanism linking job-related factors to job attitudes. Working conditions and perceived social value also have significant effects, while occupational safety and health show a weaker but positive influence. The model explains 63.1% of the variance in job satisfaction and 67.4% in job attitudes. This paper contributes to the literature by demonstrating economic evaluation and accumulated work experience jointly shape job attitudes in green platform-based labor. From a practical perspective, platform operators should improve income stability, enhance transparency in operational mechanisms, and strengthen drivers’ social recognition to support long-term engagement.

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Published

2026-08-28

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Section

Economics

How to Cite

Pham Do Van Trung, & Truong Nhan Minh. (2026). DETERMINANTS OF RIDE-HAILING DRIVERS’ JOB ATTITUDES: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF JOB SATISFACTION. HUIT Journal of Science, 26(3E), 1740. https://doi.org/10.62985/j.huit_ojs.vol26.no3E.585