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Modeling dynamics in career construction: Reciprocal relationship between future work self and career exploration

Guan, Y.; Zhuang, M.; Cai, Z.; Ding, Y.; Wang, Y.; Huang, Z.; Lai, X.

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Authors

M. Zhuang

Z. Cai

Y. Ding

Y. Wang

Z. Huang

X. Lai



Abstract

In extant research, scholars have treated proactive career behavior (e.g., career exploration) primarily as a consequence of future work self. Yet, emerging evidence provides support for a relationship in the opposite direction, suggesting that career exploration may also be an antecedent. Using a cross-lagged panel design, we empirically tested the reciprocal relationship between future work self and career exploration. In Study 1, we measured both future work self and career exploration at two time points with an 8-week lag among 133 Chinese university students. Results showed that future work self and career exploration are reciprocally related over time. In Study 2 (N = 228), with a longer time lag (12 weeks), results showed that career exploration (Time 1) is significantly related to future work self (Time 3), but not vice versa. Moreover, career adaptability (measured in week 8, Time 2) mediates the reciprocal effects between future work self and career exploration. We discuss theoretical and practical implications.

Citation

Guan, Y., Zhuang, M., Cai, Z., Ding, Y., Wang, Y., Huang, Z., & Lai, X. (2017). Modeling dynamics in career construction: Reciprocal relationship between future work self and career exploration. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 101, 21-31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2017.04.003

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Apr 19, 2017
Online Publication Date Apr 22, 2017
Publication Date Aug 1, 2017
Deposit Date Apr 25, 2017
Publicly Available Date Apr 22, 2019
Journal Journal of Vocational Behavior
Print ISSN 0001-8791
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 101
Pages 21-31
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2017.04.003
Public URL https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1388859

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