Psychological Career Resources and Work Engagement of Early Career Consulting Staff

Abstract

This study explored whether employees' psychological career resources significantly predicted their work engagement. A non-probability sample of 111 early career (26–40 years of age) white male and female staff in a South African human resource software and technology consulting services company participated in the study. Data were collected using the Psychological Career Resources Inventory and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale. A cross-sectional survey design and quantitative statistical procedures were used to analyse the data. Stepwise regression analyses indicated that behavioural adaptability significantly and positively predicted vigour, dedication and absorption. Self-esteem positively predicted vigour and dedication whilst career purpose negatively predicted vigour. Career venturing and self/other skills negatively predicted dedication. It was concluded that psychological career resources contributed to explaining variances in work behaviour.