Motivational attributes and organizational experiences as predictors of career‐enhancing strategies

It is generally assumed that career‐enhancing strategies are instrumental in the career self‐management process. Yet, there is a paucity of empirical research on the predictors of career‐enhancing strategies. Using a career strategy model as a guiding framework, this paper examined the relationship of motivational attributes and organizational experiences with career‐enhancing strategies (expertise development, self‐nomination and networking). Motivational attributes were conceptualized as advancement motivation and work/career centrality, whereas organizational experiences incorporated advancement prospects and job security. Questionnaire data were collected from full‐time public sector employees (N = 288) in the UK. The results indicated that, according to expectations: advancement prospects were positively and consistently related to all three career‐enhancing strategies; advancement motivation was positively related to expertise development and self‐nomination; and work‐orientated centrality was positively related to expertise development and networking. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed, together with avenues for further research.