Organizational handling of careers influences managers' organizational commitment

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how the relationship between two aspects of career management – the practice of career development activities by the organization (organizational career development) and career development activities by the individual (career self‐management), and affective and normative commitment levels, are influenced by the value that employees place on the career development offerings of their organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical evidence was drawn from 196 manager members of the Australian Institute of Management. Hierarchical moderated regression analysis was used to test the hypothesized relationships of the model.

Findings

Levels of affective and normative commitment improved when organizations provided continuous learning to managers. This was the case, for career management both by the individual, and by the organization. In particular, normative commitment was strongest for those who valued the continuous learning they received while managing their own careers. For the group of managers who experienced organizational career development the opposite was the case. Continuous learning provided by the organization improved their levels of affective commitment.

Research limitations/implications

Organizations must understand the needs of their staff so that they can provide career management practices that are valued and can enhance their levels of affective and normative commitment.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the importance of organizations paying attention to what individuals value so that they may fit with the organization and enhance their commitment to it. It also draws attention to career self‐management as a positive organizational initiative.

Citation

Bambacas, M. (2010), "Organizational handling of careers influences managers' organizational commitment", Journal of Management Development, Vol. 29 No. 9, pp. 807-827. https://doi.org/10.1108/02621711011072513