Mediation effect of perceived organisational and social support in the relationship between career adaptability and career satisfaction among professional women

Abstract

This study examined whether perceived organisational support (POS) and social support mediated the relationship between career adaptability and career satisfaction among professional women. The participants were a purposive sample of 606 professional women (62% = white, 20% = black African, 6% = coloured, 11% = Indian women; mean age = 35.41 years, SD = 8.39 years) in the early adulthood and establishment career stage. Participants were employed in the financial, engineering, and human resources fields. The professional women completed standardised measures of POS, social support, career adaptability, and career satisfaction. Mediation analysis results indicated POS and perceived social support enhanced the relationship between professional women’s career adaptability and career satisfaction. Findings highlight the importance of support influences and career adaptability as core aspects for the career satisfaction of professional women in contemporary employment contexts. By implication, employer organisations should provide work-based support resources to professional women employees for career adaptability skills and satisfaction.