The role of line managers in employee career management: An attachment theory perspective

Crawshaw, Jonathan and Game, Annilee (2015) The role of line managers in employee career management: An attachment theory perspective. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 26 (9). pp. 1182-1203. ISSN 0958-5192

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Abstract

Line managers increasingly play a key role in organizational career development systems, yet few studies have examined the nature of this role or its implications for employee career attitudes and behaviors. In two studies, we used attachment theory to explore this issue. In Study 1, in-depth interviews (N = 20) showed that employees viewed career management as a relational process in which line managers are expected to act as ‘caregiver’ to support individualized career development. Study 2 was a large-scale international survey (N = 891). Participants scoring higher on attachment avoidance in their line manager relationships reported more negative perceptions of career growth opportunities, lower participation in organizational career development activities and higher turnover intentions. Trust in the organization partially mediated the relationship. Theoretical and practical implications for HRM are discussed.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: attachment,careers,career management,line manager,trust
Faculty \ School: Faculty of Social Sciences > Norwich Business School
UEA Research Groups: Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Groups > Employment Systems and Institutions
Depositing User: Pure Connector
Date Deposited: 03 Jun 2014 10:52
Last Modified: 24 Oct 2022 06:18
URI: https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/48532
DOI: 10.1080/09585192.2014.934886

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