Personal Cognitive Factors Affecting Career Aspirations of Women Working in Financial Sector in India

Abstract

Although much has been researched on the external contextual forces as barriers to women’s career development, there is a need to assess the role of women’s internal forces (personal cognitive) in determining their aspirations for advancement in career. The study aims at investigating the direct linkages among several personal cognitive factors in shaping up the career aspirations of working women. AMOS-based ‘structural equation modelling’ was performed and the results revealed a significant influence of occupational self-efficacy, proactive personality, work role salience and gender role attitude as cognitive factors in explaining the aspirations of working women for advancement in career. The findings present important implications for women as individuals, families, supervisors and organizations.