The mediating role of career resilience on Gen Z’s emotional intelligence and career outcomes

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the mediating effect of career resilience (CR) on Generation Z’s emotional intelligence (EI) and perceived career outcomes such as career satisfaction (CSAT), burnout and intention to leave a career. In its short organizational tenure, Gen Z has faced the adverse effects of global events affecting their views of career and, ultimately, CR.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey method was used to test the hypothesized relationship. A total sample of 160 respondents were assessed. Hypotheses in this study were tested by using Hayes’s (2018) PROCESS tool based on OLS regression and with a bootstrap method.

Findings

The most significant finding of this study concludes that although small, CR has a positive mediating indirect effect on Gen Z’s CSAT and burnout. However, contrary to past findings, we found a negative relationship between Gen Z’s EI and CR. Furthermore, although EI and CSAT have a positive relationship, CR and CSAT are negatively correlated. Meanwhile, Gen Z’s EI through CR positively affects Gen Z’s CSAT.

Research limitations/implications

The study has implications for how organizations can attract, retain and engage Gen Z.

Originality/value

Despite Gen Z being a part of the workforce for at least six years, limited empirical research on Gen Z has been published. Indeed, Gen Z’s workforce inexperience does not yield in-depth explanations of CR concepts; however, as we continue to learn more about Gen Z and their interactions with the work environment, the authors begin to get a peek into the future of the workforce.