How do self-direction and values- drive of protean career orientation determine career outcomes?
How do self-direction and values- drive of protean career orientation determine career outcomes?

Summary/Abstract: Purpose– The article shows partial proof for the protean paradox existing outside of the Anglo-Saxon part ofthe world. We pose questions about the impact of each protean career orientation (PCO) dimension on careeroutcomes, i.e. objective career success (OCS) and subjective career success including career satisfaction (CS)and perceived employability (PE) of studying employees.Design/methodology/approach– We collected data among postgraduate students (N5239) using a paper-and-pencil questionnaire. We estimated the model using structural equation modeling.Findings– The self-direction of PCO improves CS and PE, but only if a person achieves OCS in theorganization. We found the same mediation pattern for the values-drive of PCO but in the opposite direction, i.e.greater orientation on personal rather than organizational values– values-drive of PCO was associated withlesser career outcomes. Interestingly, values-drive had a small and direct impact on PE.Originality/value– This study helps us understand how both dimensions of PCO affect career outcomesdifferently: objective success and subjective factors like CS and PE among employees who are studying.

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