Human Capital and Career Self- Direction: An Economic Study of Individual Traits and Organisational Support

The concept of human capital has evolved beyond traditional measures of education and skills to include behavioural and psychological dimensions that influence career outcomes. This study examines the relationship between human capital and career self-direction, with a specific focus on the role of individual traits and organisational support. Drawing on insights from Human Capital Theory and Protean Career Theory, the paper develops an analytical framework to understand how personal attributes such as self-efficacy, adaptability, and career motivation interact with institutional mechanisms like mentoring, training, and organisational culture. Using an empirical approach, the study analyzes primary data collected from employees across selected sectors, employing statistical techniques such as correlation and regression analysis to examine the strength and direction of relationships among variables. The findings indicate that both individual traits and organizational support significantly influence career self-direction, with organizational support acting as a facilitating factor that enhances the effective utilization of human capital. Moreover, the study highlights that individuals possessing higher levels of proactive personality and career commitment are more likely to engage in self-directed career behaviors when supported by conducive organizational environments. The research contributes to the growing literature on career development by integrating economic and behavioral perspectives, offering practical implications for policymakers, educational institutions, and organizations aiming to foster a self-reliant and future-ready workforce. It also suggests that investment in human capital must be complemented by supportive organizational practices to maximize individual and institutional productivity.