Purpose: We aimed to theoretically identify some of the most established predictors of career success across different domains (i.e., knowledge, attitudes, environment, behaviors) and develop and validate a concise questionnaire to assess these factors.
Design/Methodology: Based on a literature review and existing scales, an item pool was created and evaluated in a multi-step procedure including expert ratings, item assigned tasks, and confirmatory factor analyses (N = 436 employees and N = 288 university students) for item selection. Factorial structure and validity was confirmed in two new samples (N = 477 employees and N = 403 university students).
Results: We confirmed the theorized 13-factorial structure, differentiating between three knowledge and competencies career resources, three psychological career resources, four environmental career resources, and three proactive career management behaviors. Moreover, we established convergent validity with scales measuring similar constructs, discriminant predictive validity beyond similar scales for career satisfaction, promotions, and life satisfaction.
Limitations: All factors were measured with self-reports. No longitudinal predictive validity is available.
Research/Practical Implications: The study shows that different predictors of career success are positively correlated across competency, psychological, environmental, and behavioral domains. Moreover, career resources predict career satisfaction and promotions but not salary beyond human capital. Practitioners can use the questionnaire to assess the career potential of employees and clients.
Originality/Value: We present a new measure that assesses a comprehensive list of predictors of career success in a comprehensive way that can be used in future research.
