The relation between career anchors emotional intelligence and employability satisafaction among workers in the service industry

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between the career anchors (measured by the Career Orientations Inventory), emotional intelligence (measured by the Assessing Emotions Scale) and employability satisfaction (measured by a one-item scale) of a random sample of 270 adults employed in the service industry. A quantitative survey design was used. Multiple regression analyses revealed significant relationships between the participants’ career anchors, emotional intelligence and employability satisfaction. The results further showed the entrepreneurial creativity, service/ dedication to a cause and autonomy career anchors to be significant predictors of emotional intelligence. Employability satisfaction significantly predicted the pure challenge and service/dedication to a cause career anchors. Managing others’ emotions significantly predicted employability satisfaction. The findings contribute new knowledge to the field of career psychology and may be used to inform human resource practices concerned with optimising person– job fit and the job and career satisfaction of employees. In the light of the turbulent world of work context, career counsellors may also find the results useful in facilitating proactive career behaviour among employees