Work-Nonwork Interface and Career Success: Examining Behavioural and Affective Linking Mechanisms

Wüest-Baumeler, F., Hirschi, A., & Steiner, R. S. (2023). Work-nonwork interface and career success: Examining behavioural and affective linking mechanisms. European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology, 32(4), 476-488.

---

Abstract

Past research has illustrated that experiences at the work-nonwork interface are related to the achievement of objective and subjective career success. However, the mechanisms linking positive and negative work-nonwork experiences and career success have not received much attention. Based on the conservation of resources theory and the source attribution perspective, we propose behavioral (i.e., through career engagement) and affective (i.e., through positive and negative affect at work) mechanisms linking positive and negative work-nonwork experiences (i.e., work-to-nonwork enrichment and interference) to objective (i.e., salary) and subjective (i.e., career satisfaction) career success. The results of a time-lagged study (N = 812) performed over one year with three measurement waves with young employees (18–35 years old, 47% females) provided partial support for both mechanisms and showed that career engagement mediated the positive relation between work-to-nonwork enrichment and salary, as well as the positive relation between work-to-nonwork enrichment and career satisfaction. However, unexpectedly, work-to-nonwork interference was also positively associated with salary and career satisfaction through increased career engagement. Additionally, negative affect at work mediated the negative relation between work-to-nonwork interference and both career success dimensions, but this mediation was stronger for career satisfaction. The study implies that behavioral and affective mechanisms differentially link work-nonwork experiences and various forms of career success.

Keywords: work-nonwork enrichment, work-nonwork interference, affective mechanism, behavioral mechanism, career success

---

Pursuing Money and Power, Prosocial Contributions, or Personal Growth: Measurement and Nomological Net of Different Career Strivings

Hirschi. A. & Pang, D. (2023). Pursuing Money and Power, Prosocial Contributions, or Personal Growth: Measurement and Nomological Net of Different Career Strivings. Journal of Career Development. https://doi.org/10.1177/089484532311829

---

Abstract

There is considerable agreement that individuals need an “inner compass” to manage their careers as self-directed and values-driven. However, how different career strivings (i.e., long-term, values-related career goals) affect career development remains largely unaddressed. To tackle this issue, we conducted a study to develop and validate new scales to assess self-enhancement, self-transcendence, and personal growth career strivings, representing key self-focused and other-focused extrinsic and intrinsic career goals. The validation of the scales among 389 U.S. and 490 German workers confirmed that career strivings are differentially related to existing measures of intrinsic and extrinsic career goals, work values, and motivational work strivings. Moreover, we confirmed with a time-lagged study among 354 German workers that career strivings (especially personal growth strivings) relate positively to career commitment, career satisfaction, and life meaningfulness. The studies support the utility of examining different career strivings as critical motivational factors in self-directed career management in future research.

Keywords: career strivings; career motivation; career goals; career self-management

---

Does success change people? Examining objective career success as a precursor for personality development.

Hirschi, A., Johnston, C. S., De Fruyt, F., Ghetta, A., & Orth, U. (2021). Does success change people? Examining objective career success as a precursor for personality development. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 127, 103582. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2021.103582

---

Abstract

Numerous studies established personality traits as predictors of career success. However, if and how career success can also trigger changes in personality has not received much attention. Drawing from the neosocioanalytic model of personality and its social investment and corresponsive principles, this paper investigated how the attainment of objective career success contributes to personality change in the Big Five traits of neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. We conducted cross-lagged analyses with three measurement waves over eight years with a representative sample of 4′767 working adults from the German Socio-Economic Panel and examined if objective success (i.e., income and occupational prestige) predicted changes in personality. We also tested if effects differed across age groups or between men and women. Results showed that career success predicted changes in personality for neuroticism, extraversion, and openness. Higher income predicted a decrease in neuroticism and increase in openness. Higher prestige predicted a decrease in extraversion and an increase in openness. Results did not differ according to age group or for men or women. We discuss the results in light of the effects that career success can exert on personality development and the complexity inherent in observing personality change.

Free open access

Striving for success: Towards a refined understanding and measurement of ambition

Hirschi, A., & Spurk, D. (2021). Striving for success: Towards a refined understanding and measurement of ambition. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 127, 103577. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2021.103577

---

Abstract

Despite broad interest in the nature of ambition and its effects on career outcomes, scientific research on this issue is limited due to an inconsistent conceptualization and measurement of ambition. Consistent with theoretical views, but in contrast to most existing measurements, we conceptualize ambition as a general personal disposition and developed and evaluated a 5-item measure of ambition consistent with this conceptualization. We report a six-phase process including (1) item generation, (2) item content review by subject matter experts, (3) item reduction and selection based on a university student (N = 1074) and employee (N = 469) sample, (4) examining convergent, discriminant, and incremental validity in relation to existing ambition scales with an employee sample (N = 301), (5) establishing discriminant validity to other personal dispositions in terms of achievement striving, trait competitiveness, and future time perspective with an employee sample (N = 544), and (6) establishing re-test reliability, longitudinal measurement-invariance, and incremental criterion validity regarding objective (i.e., salary, promotions) and subjective career success (i.e., career satisfaction) with a six-month time-lagged study (N = 394). In sum, the newly developed scale should be useful for future research to improve the theoretical and empirical understanding of the nature and effects of ambition.

Free open access

Profiles of Calling and Their Relation to University-to-Work Transition Outcomes

Zhang, C., Hirschi, A., Li, M., & You, X. (2021). Profiles of calling and their relation to university-to-work transition outcomes. Journal of Career Development.

---

Abstract

In this study, we adopted a person-centered approach using latent profile analysis to explore whether profiles of calling based on the internal and external sources of a calling are identified and how these profiles relate to successful university-to-work transition outcomes (i.e., higher career satisfaction, higher person-job fit, and lower turnover intentions). We assessed a sample of 684 Chinese university graduates one week before and six months after graduation and found five profiles of calling: Strongly undeveloped calling, moderately undeveloped calling, transcendent calling, highly transcendent calling, and modern calling. We found that a calling which was driven by internal and external sources (i.e., transcendent calling) or predominantly by internal sources (i.e., modern calling) related to more successful university-to-work transition outcomes. Our findings contribute to the literature on calling by showing that the sources of calling are important to conceptualize different types of calling and differentiate the role of different callings.

Keywords: Calling profiles, sources of calling, university to work transition, latent profile analysis, career satisfaction

---

Career adaptability and career success in the context of a broader career resources framework.

Haenggli, M. & Hirschi, A. (2020). Career adaptability and career success in the context of a broader career resources framework. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 119, 103414. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2020.103414

---

Abstract

Increasing dynamics of careers make the development and application of different career resources important for successful career development. The study aimed to understand how different career resources are related to each other and different forms of career success. Examining 574 employees with 3-waves of 1-month time lags, we assessed relations between key resources (i.e., self-esteem and optimism), career adaptability resources (i.e., concern, control, curiosity, confidence), and knowledge/skills, motivational, and environmental career resources and their predictive utility for different forms of subjective and objective career success (i.e., salary). Results showed that career adaptability resources are highly related to other types of career resources, but career adaptability and other career resources each explain unique variance in different facets of career success. Using relative weight analyses, we found that especially motivational and environmental career resources are meaningfully positively related to different facets of subjective career success, whereas knowledge and skills career resources are most prominently positively related to objective career success. Under consideration of other career resources, career adaptability related negatively to salary. The findings contribute to career construction theory by situating career adaptability within a broader resource framework in relation to career success.

Keywords

Career adaptability; Career resources; Key resources; Subjective career success; Objective career success; Career construction theory

---

Empirical developments in career construction theory

Rudolph, C. W., Zacher, H., & Hirschi, A. (2019). Empirical developments in career construction theory (Editorial). Journal of Vocational Behavior, 111, 1-6. doi:10.1016/j.jvb.2018.12.003

---

Abstract

Career construction theory is a grand theory of career development. The goal of this special issue on empirical developments in career construction theory was to showcase research that addresses major unanswered questions regarding this theory, including the role of context and development over time, as well as the applicability of the theory in specific samples. Furthermore, we sought advanced research that addresses the dimensionality, processes, and outcomes of career construction by adopting diverse approaches, including quantitative, qualitative, and intervention methods. In this editorial, we briefly describe key propositions of career construction theory and emphasize major questions that remain to be answered within this theoretical framework. We then briefly summarize the eight empirical studies included in the special issue and explain how they, individually and collectively, contribute to the advancement of research on career construction.

Career self-management as a key factor for career wellbeing

Wilhelm, F., & Hirschi, A. (2019). Career self-management as a key factor for career wellbeing. In I.L. Potgieter, N. Ferreira & M. Coetzee (Eds.). Theory, Research and Dynamics of Career Wellbeing (pp. 117-137). Switzerland: Springer.

---

Career self-management (CSM) is an important factor for achieving career wellbeing and is becoming increasingly crucial in career environments characterized by higher volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. In this chapter, we provide an overview of current research on CSM, and conceptually and empirically clarify its relation to career wellbeing. First, we define CSM and delineate its dimensionality. Second, we concisely summarize the empirical research on predictors and career wellbeing related outcomes of CSM. Third, based on our literature review, we suggest how CSM can be promoted through interventions, and how organizations can create synergies between organizational and individual career management. Finally, we suggest avenues for further research addressing identified research gaps: conceptual refinement, investigating facilitators of CSM at different action stages, broadening the scope of investigated career wellbeing outcomes of CSM, conducting theory-based intervention studies to systematically promote CSM, and examining contextual influences emerging in Industry 4.0 work-life spaces.

Free PDF

Competition in Career Tournaments: Investigating the Joint Impact of Trait Competitiveness and Competitive Psychological Climate on Objective and Subjective Career Success

Spurk, D., Keller, A. C., & Hirschi, A. (2019). Competition in career tournaments: investigating the joint impact of trait competitiveness and competitive psychological climate on objective and subjective career success. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology ,doi : 10.1111/joop.12238

---

Abstract

This study investigates the joint impact of trait competitiveness (i.e., the enjoyment of interpersonal competition and the desire to win and be better than others) and competitive psychological climate (i.e., the degree to which employees perceive organizational rewards as contingent upon comparisons of their performance against that of their peers) on objective and subjective career success. Based on tournament and person–environment fit theory, we assumed that the positive effects of trait competitiveness on different indicators of objective (i.e., salary, promotions) and subjective (i.e., career satisfaction, internal marketability, and meaningful work) career success are stronger under conditions of a highly competitive psychological climate. Moderated regression analyses using data from a 6-month time-lagged study of 340 employees working in diverse occupational fields in their early careers revealed joint effects of the two competition variables. For both objective and subjective career success, the effect of trait competitiveness was strengthened under conditions of a highly competitive psychological climate. We discuss the results by integrating theoretical reasoning from a tournament and person– environment fit perspective on the attainment of career success.

Keywords: career success, tournament theory, trait competitiveness, competitive psychological climate

Practitioner Points

• Organizations should be aware that competitive environments, and specifically their related perceptions, are only beneficial for some employees’ career success

• Within perceived highly competitive organizational contexts, personnel selection and development should consider competitive traits of employees when deciding about hiring and career planning

• Career counselors may consider perceived organizational climates and competitive personal characteristics when objective and subjective career success is of topic in the counseling process

Free PDF

Antecedents and Outcomes of Objective versus Subjective Career Success: Competing Perspectives and Future Directions

Spurk, D., Hirschi, A., Dries, N. (2019). Antecedents and outcomes of objective versus subjective career success: Competing perspectives and future directions. Journal of Management, 45(1), 35-69. doi:10.1177/014920631878656

---

Abstract

This review examines competing perspectives relating to (a) the range and prevalence of different theoretical approaches to the study of career success and (b) the need for a theoretically differentiated understanding of the antecedents of objective (OCS) versus subjective (SCS) career success. Furthermore, the review complements the assumption that OCS and SCS are only ultimateoutcomes of careers, proposing instead that career success also acts as an antecedent to other career and life outcomes. Against the backdrop of an organizing resource management framework, we present and critically evaluate the results of a systematic analysis of the theoretical approaches used to empirically study the antecedents of OCS and SCS. Furthermore, we develop a taxonomy of outcomes of career success. Our review findings show a theoretical heterogeneity with some dominant theoretical approaches within research of antecedents of career success. Moreover, past research started to adopt different theoretical approaches when predicting OCS (e.g., approaches focusing on personal resources, such as human capital or [competitive] performance) versus SCS (e.g., approaches focusing on personal key resources, such as stable traits). Several types of career success outcomes were identified: withdrawal, career attitudes, health and well-being, reactions from the (work) environment, and self-concept. Based on these findings, we provide recommendations for how future research can make sense of the theoretical heterogeneity in career success research, how research on antecedents and outcomes can better account for the OCS/SCS distinction, and how future research can more rigorously integrate research on antecedents and outcomes of career success.

Keywords: objective career success; subjective career success; antecedents; outcomes; systematic review

Free PDF

Karriere-Ressourcen messen: Validierung der deutschsprachigen Version des Karriere-Ressourcen Fragebogens Assessing Career Resources: Validation of the German-Language Career Resources Questionnaire

Hirschi, A., Hänggli, M., Nagy, N., Baumeler, F., Johnston, C., & Spurk, D. (2019). Karriere-Ressourcen messen. Diagnostica. doi:10.1026/0012-1924/a000219

---

Die existierende Literatur schlägt eine Vielzahl von potentiellen Prädiktoren für Karriereerfolg vor, welche in ihrer Menge kaum auf eine ökonomische Art erhoben werden können. Um diesen Umstand anzugehen, haben Hirschi, Nagy, Baumeler, Johnston und Spurk (2018) den Karriere-Ressourcen Fragebogen (CRQ; Career Resources Questionnaire) entwickelt und in einer englischsprachigen Version validiert. Basierend auf einer Integration von theoretischer und metaanalytischer Forschung misst der Fragebogen 13 distinkte Faktoren, welche 4 übergeordnete Dimensionen repräsentieren: Wissen und Kompetenzen, Motivation, Umfeldund Aktivitätenbezüglich Karriere. In der vorliegenden Studie wird eine Validierung der deutschsprachigen Version mittels N= 1 666 Personen (Studierende und Berufstätige) vorgenommen. Die Ergebnisse bestätigen die Reliabilität sowie die Faktorstruktur des Fragebogens. Mittels Relative-Weight-Analysen konnte zudem die Wichtigkeit von verschiedenen Faktoren für unterschiedliche Arten von Karriereerfolg gezeigt werden. Das Messinstrument bietet Forschenden und Praktizierenden eine ökonomische, reliable und valide Möglichkeit, um Schlüsselfaktoren für Karriereerfolg zu erfassen.

The existing literature proposes a large numer of potential predictors of career success which makes it difficult to measure such facilitative factors in a economic way. In order to address this challenge, Hirschi, Nagy, Baumeler, Johnston, and Spurk (2018) have developed and evaulated the Career Resources Questionnaire (CRQ). The CRQ measures 13 factors, represented in 4 higher-level dimensions: Knowledge and Skills, Motivation, Environment, and Activities. In this paper, we aim to validate the German version of the CRQ among N = 1 666 employees and students. The results support the reliability and factor structure and support concurrent and criterion validity regarding similar measures and different indicators of objective and subjective career success. Moreover, relative-weight analyses show that different factors are differently related to various types of career success. We conclude that the German-language CRQ provides an economic, reliable, and efficient tool to assess key predictors of career success.

Access free PDF

Assessing Key Predictors of Career Success: Development and Validation of the Career Resources Questionnaire

Hirschi, A., Nagy, N., Baumeler, F., Johnston, C., & Spurk, D. (in press). Assessing Key Predictors of Career Success: Development and Validation of the Career Resources Questionnaire. Journal of Career Assessment.

Access free PDF

Abstract

Identifying predictors of career success is one of the most considered topics in career research and practice. However, the existing literature suggests a vast array of potential predictors that cannot be economically measured. This significantly limits research and practice. To address this issue, we have integrated theoretical and meta-analytic research to propose an integrative framework of career resources, including human capital, environmental, motivational, and career management behavior resources represented by 13 distinct factors. In a multi-step process, we have developed the Career Resources Questionnaire (CRQ) to assess these factors in workers and college students. In two studies encompassing 873 workers and 691 students, we have confirmed reliability and factor structure, convergent validity with existing scales, and criterion validity with indicators of subjective and objective career success. The developed measure can provide researchers and practitioners with a reliable, concise, and comprehensive measure to assess key predictors of career success.

Protean career orientation, vocational identity, and self-efficacy: An empirical clarification of their relationship

Hirschi, A., Jaensch, V., & Herrmann, A. (2017) Protean career orientation, vocational identity, and self-efficacy: An empirical clarification of their relationship. European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology, 26(2), 208-220.doi: 10.1080/1359432X.2016.1242481.

Access free PDF

---

Abstract

There is a large interest in how people can be more protean in their career development, exhibiting a self-directed striving for personally valued career outcomes. However, existing research on the protean career needs to better address issues of antecedents and outcomes as well as unique effects of a protean career orientation (PCO). We present two studies investigating how PCO is related to vocational identity clarity and occupational self-efficacy. Study 1 reports a one-year, three-wave cross-lagged study among 563 university students and established that PCO preceded changes in identity and self-efficacy – but not the other way around. A six-month longitudinal study of 202 employees, Study 2 showed that identity clarity and self-efficacy mediated the effects of PCO on career satisfaction and proactive career behaviors. PCO only possessed incremental predictive validity regarding proactive career behaviors. However, we could not confirm specific direct or mediated effects of PCO on job satisfaction. These results imply that PCO is closely related to vocational identity clarity and self-efficacy because it enhances these career attitudes. Moreover, identity and self-efficacy mediate some but not all of the effects of PCO on important career outcomes.

Keywords: protean career orientation; vocational identity; occupational self-efficacy; job satisfaction; career satisfaction; proactive career behaviors

Do bad guys get ahead or fall behind? Relationships of the dark triad of personality with objective and subjective career success

Spurk, D., Keller, A., Hirschi, A. (2016). Do bad guys get ahead or fall behind? Relationships of the dark triad of personality with objective and subjective career success. Social Psychological and Personality Science (2), 113-121, doi: 10.1177/1948550615609735. 

Access free PDF

Abstract

This study analyzed incremental effects of single Dark Triad traits (i.e., narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism) on objective (i.e., salary and leadership position) and subjective (i.e., career satisfaction) career success. We analyzed 793 early career employees representative of age and education from the private industry sector in Germany. Results from multiple and logistic regressions revealed bright and dark sides of the Dark Triad, depending on the specific Dark Triad trait analyzed. After controlling for other relevant variables (i.e., gender, age, job tenure, organization size, education, and work hours), narcissism was positively related to salary, Machiavellianism was positively related to leadership position and career satisfaction, and psychopathy was negatively related to all analyzed outcomes. These results provide evidence that the Dark Triad plays a role in explaining important career outcomes. Implications for personality and career research are derived.

Narcissism and career success: Occupational self-efficacy and career engagement as mediators

Hirschi, A., & Jaensch, V. (2015). Narcissism and career success: Occupational self-efficacy and career engagement as mediators. Personality and Individual Differences, 77, 205-208, doi:10.1016/j.paid.2015.01.002

Access free PDF

Self-initiated expatriates and their career success

Access free PDF

Cao, L., Hirschi, A., & Deller, J. (2012). Self-initiated expatriates and their career success. Journal of Management Development, 31(2), 159-172. doi:10.1108/02621711211199494

The role of chance events in the school-to-work transition: The influence of demographic, personality and career development variables

Access free PDF

Hirschi, A. (2010). The role of chance events in the school-to-work transition: The influence of demographic, personality and career development variables. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 77(1), 39-49. doi:10.1016/j.jvb.2010.02.002

Personality, career development, and occupational attainment

Access free PDF

Brown, S. D. & Hirschi, A. (2013). Personality, career development, and occupational attainment. In S. D. Brown & R. W. Lent (Eds.), Career development and counseling: Putting theory and research to work (2nd ed.) (pp.299-328). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley & Sons Inc.