Work Volition and Work Environments: Impacts on Career Adaptability

The present study investigated relationships among work volition, perceived autonomy support from supervisors, cognitive job demands, social support from colleagues, and career adaptability. With a sample of 216 working adults, we used structural equation modeling to test a model predicting career adaptability from work volition through autonomy support, social support, and cognitive demands. Work volition directly predicted autonomy support, and autonomy support partially mediated the relationship between work volition and career adaptability. Cognitive job demands directly predicted career adaptability. Our findings provide theoretical implications for both Career Construction Theory and Psychology of Working Theory. We also discuss practical implications for career counselors.