The relationship between career anchors and employability

Abstract

In the post-industrial society, career management has become vitally important for assisting workers to be employable. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between career anchors and employability. The effort of researching these concepts is geared towards adding to the knowledge base in the field of Industrial and Organisational Psychology, so that the current organisation from which the sample was chosen and other organisations in South Africa can adopt a strong career management culture. A quantitative survey using primary data was conducted on a convenience sample (N=108) of full-time employees in a South African financial company. The Career Anchors Inventory (COI) and the Employability Attribute Scale (EAS) were used to gather data. The study found a statistically significant positive relationship between career anchors and employability. In addition, there were significant correlations between the sub-constructs of career anchors and employability, while significant differences in career anchor preferences and employability perceptions between males and females emerged. The only differences in career anchor preferences were detected between racial and age groups. The results indicate a mutual and positive relationship between career anchors and employability, which can be useful in career guidance in the 21st century.