Work motivation and employability of consultants

Abstract

Organizations are globalizing, the labor market is fluctuating, and the demographics of the population is changing. To cope with these changes, organizations become more dependent on employees who develop and maintain their qualities. Therefore, scientific literature increased in attention for factors enhancing employability. Motivational literature using the SDT showed positive outcomes with work related outcomes. However, the direct relation between motivation and employability has not been studied yet. Therefore, this study aimed to study the relation between work motivation and employability of consultants which is an increasing job profession in the current knowledge economy. Based on the SDT, motivation was divided into autonomous and controlled motivation. Additionally, demographics were added as control variables. To test the hypotheses, a quantitative study (n = 145) was conducted using validated questionnaires. Regression analyses showed a significant positive relation between work motivation and employability, and between autonomous motivation and employability. This confirms earlier research studying the relation between work motivation and workplace outcomes. No significant relation was found between controlled motivation and employability for which a negative relation was expected. Concerning the demographics, small significant effects were found, but more research is needed to find support. Future studies should be conducted to show support for the findings of the present study and find an explanation why no relation has been found between controlled motivation and employability for consultants.