A re‐conceptualization of career systems, its dimensions and proposed measures

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose and generate initial evidence on the psychometric properties of a re‐conceptualized organizational career system (OCS). Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from head of HR/head of business units on the career system variables. Reliability and exploratory factor analysis using SPSS and confirmatory factor analysis using AMOS helped the authors to test the theoretically derived factor structure. The psychometric properties of the three‐factor instrument were examined and provided initial evidence of the reliability and validity of OCS. Findings – The model fit indices confirm the three‐dimensional factor structure of organizational career systems. The three dimensions pertain to labor market orientation, employee advancement orientation and employee lateral movement. Originality/value – In proposing this conceptual model, the authors draw insights from a number of distinct literature streams. The further development of an instrument to evaluate perceptions of career systems should encourage researchers and practitioners to use the instrument for empirical and diagnostic purposes.