The relation between career anchors, emotional intelligence and employability satisfaction among workers in the service industry

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between
the career anchors (measured by the Career Orientations Inventory),
emotional intelligence (measured by the Assessing Emotions Scale)
and employability satisfaction (measured by a one-item scale) of a
random sample of 270 adults employed in the service industry. A
quantitative survey design was used. Multiple regression analyses
revealed significant relationships between the participants’ career
anchors, emotional intelligence and employability satisfaction.
The results further showed the entrepreneurial creativity, service/
dedication to a cause and autonomy career anchors to be significant
predictors of emotional intelligence. Employability satisfaction
significantly predicted the pure challenge and service/dedication
to a cause career anchors. Managing others’ emotions significantly
predicted employability satisfaction. The findings contribute new
knowledge to the field of career psychology and may be used to
inform human resource practices concerned with optimising person–
job fit and the job and career satisfaction of employees. In the light
of the turbulent world of work context, career counsellors may also
find the results useful in facilitating proactive career behaviour
among employees.