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Uncovering Gender and Temporal Dynamics: Career Resources Impacting Career Success

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: (1) Background/Purpose: Talent management research has typically focused on early-career entrants or high-potential employees, leaving mid-career professionals underexplored despite their pivotal role in organisational continuity and leadership pipelines. This study examines whether the principles of Conservation of Resources (COR) theory apply to careers, testing whether career resources predict objective and subjective career success, and whether gender differences emerge. (2) Study Design/Methodology/Approach: A three-wave survey of 543 individuals employed in the United Kingdom (UK) (mean age 39) was analysed using Latent Growth Modelling and hierarchical regression to capture the temporal dynamics of career resources and their links to success. (3) Findings: Subjective career success declined overall, but increased among participants with high human capital, environmental resources, career self-management behaviours, and baseline motivation. Gender differences were found: human capital and self-management were stronger predictors for men, while environmental resources were more important for women. Objective success was predicted by human capital only for women, while private-sector employment and subjective success were the strongest predictors for men. (4) Originality/Value: Our unique contribution advances understanding of mid-career dynamics among women and men, highlighting critical implications for talent management. Some, but not all, predictions of COR theory are supported. Women and men experience the benefits of resources differently. Whilst career resources were critical for career success, caring responsibilities were not, irrespective of gender. Organisations must recognise that subjective career success needs resources to sustain it and move beyond one-size-fits-all approaches by tailoring development, mobility, and support systems to gendered and career-stage-specific needs.

Source: Administrative Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/admsci16010036

Authors: Wika Malkowska, Vicki Elsey, Laura Longstaff, John Arnold

Institutions: Northumbria University, Loughborough University

Language: English

Topic: Human Resource and Talent Management

Subfield: Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Gender equality, Decent work and economic growth, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,689