Investigation of the relationship between perceived overqualification, job insecurity, and job attitudes among Malaysian information technology sector employees

BackgroundPerceived overqualification is increasingly common in the technology sector, where rapid shifts in job requirements and skill demands often result in employees occupying roles below their capabilities. Such misalignment can generate negative job attitudes, especially when paired with job insecurity.ObjectiveDrawing on relative deprivation theory, the job demands-resources model, and person-job fit theory, this study examines how perceived overqualification influences three job attitudes: job search behaviour, intention to leave work early, and intention to be late for work and assesses the moderating role of job insecurity.MethodsAn online, cross-sectional survey was conducted among Malaysian information technology (IT) professionals (n = 418). Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test both direct and interaction effects.ResultsPerceived overqualification significantly increased job search behaviour and intention to leave work early, but was negatively associated with intention to be late for work. Job insecurity strengthened the effect of perceived overqualification on job search behaviour and moderated its relationship with intention to be late for work.ConclusionsThese findings highlight how perceived overqualification and job insecurity jointly shape withdrawal-related attitudes in the IT sector. The study offers practical guidance for improving role-skill alignment, enhancing communication on job stability, and designing retention strategies for fast-changing technology environments.