Strength in adversity: The influence of psychological capital on job search

• Main Authors: CHEN, Don J. Q., LIM, Vivien K. G.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University 2012
• Subjects: psychological capital; perceived employability; reemployment; coping with job loss; job search; Human Resources Management; Industrial and Organizational Psychology; Organizational Behavior and Theory
• Online Access: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/lkcsb_research/4985; https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/context/lkcsb_research/article/5984/viewcontent/Strength_in_adversity_pp.pdf
• Institution: Singapore Management University

This study examined the influence of psychological capital on job search among displaced employees. On the basis of a sample of 179 retrenched professionals, managers, executives, and technicians, we found that psychological capital (self-efficacy, hope, optimism, and resilience) was positively related with displaced employees' level of perceived employability, a coping resource. Perceived employability was positively related with problem-focused and symptom-focused coping strategies. Whereas problem-focused coping was positively related with preparatory and active job search, symptom-focused coping strategy was not. The relationship between psychological capital and preparatory and active job search was mediated by perceived employability and problem-focused coping. Implications of our findings are discussed.