Relationship between protean career orientation self-efficacy psychological well-being and career satisfaction in the Indian IT sector with self-efficacy as a moderator

This research aims to introduce, validate, and assess a model rooted in protean career orientation (PCO), career satisfaction, and psychological well-being within the unique context of young professionals in the IT sector within a burgeoning economy. The study also delves into exploring the moderating influence of self-efficacy, first between protean career orientation and career satisfaction, and second between protean career orientation and psychological well-being. The study employed Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) and moderation tests utilizing Hayes’ [33] PROCESS macro. A representative sample of 300 IT professionals from Delhi-NCR was utilized to conduct the research. The data analysis results underscore a significant influence of protean career orientations among IT employees on both career satisfaction and psychological well-being. Furthermore, the study reveals the moderating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between PCO and psychological well-being, as well as between psychological well-being and career satisfaction. This study contributes to the extant literature by expanding the understanding of self-efficacy, shedding light on potential outcomes associated with protean career orientation among IT professionals.