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Career construction in social exchange: a dual-path model linking career adaptability to turnover intention

Zhu, Fei; Cai, Zijun; Buchtel, Emma; Guan, Yanjun

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Authors

Fei Zhu

Zijun Cai

Emma Buchtel



Abstract

Although the negative relationship between career adaptability and turnover intention has been established in previous research, understanding of the mechanisms and boundary conditions is still incomplete. In this study we attempt to address this gap by developing a dual-path moderated mediation model based on career construction theory, social exchange theory and trait activation theory. Specifically, we propose two mediators - career satisfaction and perceived organizational support (POS) - to explain the negative effect of career adaptability on turnover intention. Moreover, following the trait activation perspective, we propose that organizational brands, including symbolic and instrumental brands, could separately moderate these two mediation paths. We collected multi-source data among a sample of 1013 employees and 200 HRs from 200 organizations in China to test these ideas. The results show that both career satisfaction and POS mediate the negative effect of career adaptability on turnover intention. Moreover, the mediation path through career satisfaction to turnover intention is stronger in companies with more favorable symbolic brands, and the mediation path through POS to turnover intention is stronger in companies with more favorable instrumental brands. The findings have important implications for both career construction research and organizational career management practices.

Citation

Zhu, F., Cai, Z., Buchtel, E., & Guan, Y. (2019). Career construction in social exchange: a dual-path model linking career adaptability to turnover intention. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 112(282-293), 282-293. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2019.04.003

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Apr 2, 2019
Online Publication Date Mar 3, 2019
Publication Date 2019-06
Deposit Date Apr 4, 2019
Publicly Available Date Apr 3, 2021
Journal Journal of Vocational Behavior
Print ISSN 0001-8791
Electronic ISSN 1095-9084
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 112
Issue 282-293
Pages 282-293
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2019.04.003
Public URL https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1304587

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