Occupational Locking-in: Some Empirical Findings

Abstract

Summary Self-reported locking-in (employment immobility) of 127 administrators was related to (a) personal and situational demographic characteristics and personality variables, (b) occupational and life demands and satisfactions, and (c) life style and emotional and physical well-being measures. Individuals reporting greater locking-in were older, less educated, had more children, longer organizational tenure, made fewer previous geographic moves and were less interested in further promotion. Locking-in was also associated with interpersonal passivity, emotional instability, an external locus of control, and reduced Type A propensities. Work experiences and satisfactions were generally unrelated to degree of locking-in although administrators more locked-in reported greater underutilization at work and greater life dissatisfaction. Locking-in, however, was not associated with negative emotional and physical health consequences.