Career Plateauing, Job Satisfaction and Commitment of Scholars in French Universities

Abstract

This article deals with the impact of subjective career plateauing (in terms of job content and structure) on job satisfaction, organizational and occupational commitment and intention to leave an organization. The particular case of scholars working in French universities provides an example. This study demonstrates that career plateauing is a real feeling experienced by French scholars, and can negatively impact their behavior. Regression analyses results (sample N = 2,028) indicate that career plateauing negatively impacts job satisfaction. Indeed, the more scholars believe they have little or no opportunity for future advancement, the lower their job satisfaction. Moreover, career plateauing impacts commitment. The more scholars feel they have reached a plateau, the lower their commitment to their university and job. Career plateauing affects the affective and normative dimension of commitment more than the continuance dimension, and the results for the latter dimension are counterintuitive. Finally, career plateauing increases intention to leave the organization.