Be Adaptive to Stay: A Multidimensional Examination of Career Adaptability Among Hospitality Employees

Abstract

This study seeks to examine the relationship between career adaptability (concern, control, curiosity, and confidence) and attrition intention among hospitality employees through the attitudinal and emotional mediation of career satisfaction and anxiety, respectively. Based on career construction theory, the results reveal that career satisfaction mediates the relationship between the career adaptability dimensions of concern, confidence, and curiosity to attrition intentions of hospitality employees as an attitudinal response, whereas career anxiety mediates the relationship between concern and control to attrition intentions as an emotional response. Lastly, the study also tests the moderating role of employee status and suggests that career adaptability serves as a psychological resource for full-time employees but not for part-time employees. The findings of this study provide important practical contributions to preserving the future workforce of the hospitality industry.