IMAGINING ONE’S FUTURE WORK SELF AND THE ENGAGEMENT IN CAREER BEHAVIORS: A CONTROL THEORY APPROACH

Purpose: Based on control theory, the current research examines the relationship between future work self, career self-exploration and proactive behaviors. Design/Methodology /Approach/Intervention: A two-wave survey study was conducted among Italian new job entrants (N = 119). Results: The results, obtained through a Structural Equation Modeling analysis, showed that future work self positively influences career self-exploration which in turn positively predicts proactive career behaviors. The findings provide empirical support for a full mediation model. Limitations: The study was conducted on a single Italian sample, limiting findings’ generalizability. Limitations of the time-lagged design are identified. Research/Practical Implications: This paper advances the discussion on the key attributes of future work self, and applies control theory to explain the self-regulation mechanism that derives from the identification of one’s future work self. It provides practical implications for career educators and counselors concerning the interventions needed to foster career proactive behaviors. Originality/Value: This paper provides evidence of the role of future work self salience and elaboration in influencing career related behaviors. It provides a theoretical base and empirical evidence of the mediating role of career self-exploration.