Competency development opportunities and organizational citizenship behaviors: the mediating role of subjective career success

Abstract

Purpose

Building upon Social Exchange Theory, this study explores the relationship between perceived opportunities for competency development (POCD), subjective career success (SCS), and organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs). Given the importance of SCS in providing mutual benefits for both the employee and the organization, this study examines how SCS plays a mediating role in the relationship between POCD and OCBs.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from 353 full-time working professionals in Malaysian organizations through a two-wave hardcopy questionnaire survey. The data was then analyzed using structural equation modeling and the bootstrapping method.

Findings

The study found no significant direct relationship between POCD and OCBs. However, the bootstrapping analysis uncovered that SCS mediated this relationship, indicating a significant full mediation effect.

Research limitations/implications

To increase the external validity of findings, future studies should include samples from various industries in both the public and private sectors.

Originality/value

In contrast to the findings from previous studies, this study adds value to the career literature by demonstrating that without a sense of SCS, even with competency development opportunities, employees are less likely to engage in OCBs. It highlights the importance of SCS in fostering mutual benefits for both the employee and the organization.

Citation

Teow, H.H., Au, W.C. and Ahmed, P. (2024), "Competency development opportunities and organizational citizenship behaviors: the mediating role of subjective career success", Career Development International, Vol. 29 No. 4, pp. 452-465. https://doi.org/10.1108/CDI-06-2023-0194