Shaping perceptions : investigating employer branding, intention to join and the mediating effects of anticipatory psychological contract

Abstract

As a micro‑state in the European Union, Malta has seen a drastic change in its labour market in recent years. Malta has seen an increase in the availability of work with as many as 25 new companies being registered on a daily basis (Anastasi, 2019). Employment rates have shot up, particularly amongst females (National Statistics Office, 2018). Furthermore, the amount of foreign nationals working in Malta has reached 44,564 persons at the end of 2017 when compared with a mere 4,000 workers in 2002 (Jobsplus, 2017). However, this has not been enough to fulfil the overwhelming demand for employees. Faced with such fierce competition, employers need to resort to ways which can secure the best talent available. One such way is to invest in good employer branding.