The Impact of Autonomous Career Awareness on Career Success: Statistical Analysis of Personnel-Micro Data and Employee Survey

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of autonomous career awareness on subjective as well as objective career success. In this study, we used a dataset combining in-company micro data and a questionnaire survey for one Japanese firm. Autonomous career attitudes were measured using the Protean and Boundaryless Career Scales developed by Briscoe et al. (2006). First, different effects were identified for the same autonomous career awareness. The Protean Career subscale for Self-Directed Career Management showed a positive effect on both objective and subjective career success, while the Values-Driven subscale had a negative effect on objective career success. In addition, Boundaryless Career Mobility Preference had a positive effect on subjective career success. Reasons why Mobility Preference has no positive effect on objective career success, but a strong positive effect on subjective career success, are discussed. It is possible that the awareness of having the choice to move to another organization, without any psychological burden, increases career satisfaction. The above findings differ from those generated by studies conducted earlier on German firms and a national survey in Japan. We also examine the reasons for the variance in the findings by comparing them.