Career implications for high-quality work relationships: an SCCT test

Abstract

Purpose Researchers recognize that interpersonal relationships contribute to the career development of professional employees. The purpose of this paper is to extend this research to individuals working at a formative point in their careers. Guided by Social Cognitive Career Theory, a model is developed that tests whether the quality of individuals’ work relationships at an early career stage has implications for their development of career cognitions and career exploration behaviors. Design/methodology/approach Structural equation modeling is used to test the model in two samples of employed students (n=372 and n=166). Findings Coworker relationship quality had a direct influence on career self-efficacy, which led to increased career outcome expectations, goals and exploration behaviors. The influence of supervisor relationship quality was mixed across studies. Research limitations/implications Findings suggest that the quality of individuals’ relational experiences at work, even at an early career stage, has implications that extend beyond the workplace to affect their careers more generally. Practical implications Results speak to the dangers associated with a poor interpersonal climate for employees at an early career stage, and suggest that managers invest in opportunities that allow these employees to build stronger bonds with coworkers. The results also suggest that career counselors and internship coordinators be sensitive to the interpersonal climate of organizations with whom they contract. Originality/value This study offers insight into the connection between early employment experiences and individuals’ career cognitions and career exploration behaviors.

Antecedents and Outcomes of Callings for University Students: An Examination of Mentoring and Insight Experiences

“…A sample item was, "I expect that my career will be fulfilling," and response options were 1 ¼ strongly disagree to 7 ¼ strongly agree. Recent research has shown this measure to be reliable (e.g., a ¼ .86 and .88 in two samples, Ehrhardt & Sharif, 2019) and valid given its relationship with other career-oriented constructs such as career self-efficacy (r ¼ .49 and .59 in two samples, Ehrhardt & Sharif, 2019).…”

Does social support at work enhance subjective career success? The mediating role of relational attachment

“…Indeed, past research suggests that employees feel more attached and committed to their careers when they experience a friendly working environment at work (Somers et al, 2018;Wickramasinghe, 2016). Ehrhardt and Sharif (2019) also found that the quality of relationships positively impacts employees' career-related behavior. Closeness and attachment with others at the work not only enhance employees' energy, vitality or positive emotions (Khazanchi et al, 2018), but also enhance their potential and improve their psychological state/well-being (Abugre, 2017;Madden et al, 2015).…”

“…For instance, Karatepe and Olugbade (2017) (Abugre, 2017;Colbert et al, 2016;Feeney and Collins, 2019). More specifically, in a recent study, Ehrhardt and Sharif (2019) found that employees receiving social support at work enhances their attachment and closeness with others at work (i.e. relational attachment).…”

Working With More Creative Coworkers and New Product Development Team Performance

“…Ghosh et al (2019) find that TMX is positively related to individual innovation work behavior, which refers to whether a person has implemented creative ideas into innovative behavior. Moreover, Ehrhardt and Sharif (2019) find that a coworker relationship increases an individual's career self-efficacy and leads one to explore new career opportunities. The above findings suggest that high-quality TMX is conducive to the generation of creative ideas.…”