Instrumental Support, Relational Attachment, and Subjective Career Success: The Moderating Role of Personal Support

Abstract

Support at work has been linked to a wide range of positive individual and organizational outcomes. However, research to date has overlooked its influence on career-related outcomes. Drawing on attachment theory, we examined the relationship between instrumental support and two aspects of subjective career success—job satisfaction and career satisfaction—and the mediating and moderating roles of relational attachment and personal support, respectively. Results from survey data collected from employees working in Poland provide support for our hypothesized relationships. The findings contribute to a richer understanding of how and when employee subjective career success is influenced by social support and positive relationships in work life. Our findings have theoretical implications for social support, positive workplace relationships, and career success literatures.