Psychological career meta-capacities in relation to employees’ retention-related dispositions

Abstract

Staff retention has become a complex issue facing many contemporary organisations. The study examined the relationship dynamics between employees’ psychological career meta-capacities (measured by the Psychological Career Resources Inventory) and their retention-related dispositions (measured by the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale and the Organisation-related Commitment Scale). A quantitative survey was conducted involving a non-probability purposive sample of predominantly black females in the early life career stage, employed at managerial and staff levels (N = 318) in the field of industrial and organisational psychology. A canonical correlation analysis indicated a significant overall relationship between the psychological career meta-capacities and the retention- related dispositions. Structural equation modelling indicated a good fit of the data with the canonical correlation-derived measurement model. In the employment equity context, the findings provide valuable pointers for the design of career development practices aimed at retaining black females in the early career stage of their lives.

Key words: career development, retention, psychological career resources, career meta-capacities, career foci, commitment foci, work engagement