Factors related to the career satisfaction of older managerial and professional women

Abstract

PurposeThe labour force participation of older women has increased substantially in Canada. This study aims to examine the factors that are important to the career satisfaction of older managerial and professional women.Design/methodology/approachManagerial and professional women aged 50 and above completed a questionnaire assessing their career satisfaction, individual characteristics and organization‐related factors.FindingsFor managerial women, the significant predictors of career satisfaction were perceived as organizational support, job content plateauing, and health status. For professional women, the significant predictors of career satisfaction were perceived efforts by their organization to retain its older managerial and professional employees and job content plateauing.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are based on a small sample and the respondents were primarily employed in the public sector. Further research is needed using larger samples and a better representation from the private sector. Researchers also need to identify other factors that influence the career satisfaction of older managerial and professional women.Practical implicationsThe career satisfaction of older managerial and professional women is heightened when they are challenged by their job and have an opportunity to learn and grow in their job. Beyond this, enhancing the career satisfaction of older managerial and professional women will require different approaches tailored specifically to each group.Originality/valueVery little is known about the career‐related issues that are of special concern to older managerial and professional women. This study provides some insight into the differences between older managerial and professional women and the factors that contribute to their career satisfaction.