Movement Capital, RAW model, or circumstances? A meta-analysis of perceived employability predictors

• Published in: Journal of vocational behavior 2021-12, Vol.131, p.103657, Article 103657
• Main Authors: Harari, Michael B., McCombs, Kate, Wiernik, Brenton M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Career development planning; Employability; Employment; Job hunting; Meta-analysis; Perceived employability; Psychology; Systematic review
• ISSN: 0001-8791; 1095-9084
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jvb.2021.103657

Within the context of modern, turbulent careers, perceived employability (PE)—one's perceived chances of obtaining a new job—has risen in importance as a crucial psychological resource that enables individuals to better cope with and navigate this environment. Increased attention to the construct has brought tremendous interest into its determinants. Several models of employability determinants have been proposed to account for PE, each taking a different perspective concerning what it means to be employable. Although hundreds of studies evaluating relationships between variables outlined by these models and PE have been carried out, the literature is scattered and contradictory. The various predictor models outline unique sets of PE determinants. Further, the specific operationalizations of these determinants vary widely across studies, as do the empirical findings. There also exists a paucity of research attempting to compare and contrast findings between these models, thus the relative strengths and weaknesses of these various frameworks in accounting for PE are unknown. To address these issues, drawing upon influential models of PE determinants, we carry out a comprehensive meta-analytic review of the literature, spanning 202 studies (k = 221 independent samples). We observed evidence suggesting that, among the various models applied, Movement Capital dimensions (i.e., human capital, social capital, career insight, adaptability) consistently exhibited the most robust correlations with PE. We also observed some evidence suggesting that certain relationships are truncated for unemployed individuals as compared to employees or students. Implications for research and practice are discussed. •We carried out a meta-analysis of perceived employability (PE) predictors.•PE largely occurs as a function of one's Movement Capital.•Some relationships were truncated for unemployed samples.