How and when does proactive personality predict career adaptability? A study of the moderated mediation model

Abstract

In the present study, we explored the relationship between proactive personality and career adaptability to construct a cross-level moderated mediation model based on the conservation of resources (COR) theory. By conducting a time-lagged study involving three data collection points from 587 employees across 104 teams in China, we examined how and when proactive personality predicts employees' career adaptability using strengths use as a mediator and managerial coaching as boundary conditions. The results revealed that proactive personality predicted strengths use, which, in turn, influenced career adaptability, with managerial coaching moderating the indirect relationship between proactive personality and career adaptability. Consequently, our findings suggest that, in contexts where managerial coaching lacks guidance, facilitation, and inspiration, a proactive personality encourages employees to leverage their strengths, subsequently enhancing their career adaptability. Finally, we discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our findings, address limitations, and propose directions for future research.