Original Research

Psychological career pre-occupation and social connectedness in Ghanaian education staff’s career management

Nadia Ferreira, Isaac T. Kwao, Ingrid L. Potgieter
South African Journal of Business Management | Vol 55, No 1 | a4353 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajbm.v55i1.4353 | © 2024 Nadia Ferreira, Isaac T. Kwao, Ingrid L. Potgieter | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 03 November 2023 | Published: 15 May 2024

About the author(s)

Nadia Ferreira, Department of Human Resource Management, School of Management Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
Isaac T. Kwao, Department of Human Resource Management, School of Management Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
Ingrid L. Potgieter, Department of Human Resource Management, School of Management Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract

Purpose: This study examines the interplay of psychosocial career pre-occupation, social connectedness, and organisational commitment in higher education and offers insights for academia and practitioners. It also explores the impact of gender, job level, and the moderating effect of psychosocial career pre-occupation on employees’ commitment in this sector.

Design/methodology/approach: A purposeful sample of 288 senior academic and administrative staff, mostly married males aged 31–40 years, completed the Psychosocial Career Pre-occupation Scale (PCOS), Workplace Friendship Scale (WFS), and Organisational Commitment Scale (OCS).

Findings/results: Significant relationships were found among psychosocial career pre-occupation, social connectedness, and organisational commitment in higher education. Moderated analysis revealed predictive roles of gender, job level, and psychosocial career pre-occupation on organisational commitment, and illuminating sector dynamics.

Practical implications: For human resource managers and practitioners in Ghana’s public higher education, this study offers insights to boost workforce commitment and engagement, which is vital for national progress.

Originality/value: By validating essential elements of career self-management practices, this research extends career construction theory, enriching understanding and fostering professionals’ careers in higher education. It contributes to practical applications and scholarly knowledge by providing a deepening insight into organisational dynamics in this sector.


Keywords

psychosocial career pre-occupation; social connectedness; organisational commitment; career construction theory; Higher Education; career self-management

JEL Codes

D20: General; D23: Organizational Behavior • Transaction Costs • Property Rights; D91: Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Metrics

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