An integrative empirical approach to the predictors of self‐directed career management

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the effects of subjective career success, organizational learning climate, and the calling work orientation on the protean career.

Design/methodology/approach

For this study employees of a Korean financial service company are encouraged to answer a web survey. To examine the hypotheses, structural equation modeling is used.

Findings

The results provide evidence of potential predictors of the protean career based on the empirical approach. Also, this study shows an integrative model for predictors of the protean career with the structural equation modeling method. All independent variables – subjective career success, the calling work orientation, and organizational learning climate – have a significant relationship with the protean career. Among the independent variables, the calling orientation has the strongest effect on the protean career.

Research limitation/implication

The generalization of the results may be limited to the research population. Also, as results are based entirely on cross‐sectional self‐report data, the causality of the findings cannot be confirmed.

Originality/value

The importance of the protean career concept has increased in the modern career context, underscoring the individual's self‐direction of career management. This study uses empirical evidence to examine the psychological and environmental predictors of the protean career.

Citation

Park, Y. (2009), "An integrative empirical approach to the predictors of self‐directed career management", Career Development International, Vol. 14 No. 7, pp. 636-654. https://doi.org/10.1108/13620430911005690