Explaining Employability Through Career Adaptability, Job Search Self-efficacy, Complexity Perception, and Luck Readiness: A Mediator Model

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the mediating role of job search self-efficacy, complexity perception, and luck readiness variables in the relationship between career adaptability and employability among Iranian job seekers.

Data gathered using volunteer sampling and recruited a sample of 719 Iranian job seekers. The data was analysed using structural equation modeling. They were administered Career Adapt-Abilities Scale, Job Search Self-Efficacy Scale, Complexity Perception Index, Luck Readiness Index, and Employability Scale.

The results showed that the effect coefficients of career adaptability on job search self-efficacy (γ = 0.75 and p< 0.001), complexity perception (γ = 0.64 and p< 0.001), luck readiness (γ = 0.88 and p< 0.001), were statistically significant. Furthermore, the effect coefficients of job search self-efficacy (β = 0.39 and p< 0.001), complexity perception (β = 0.17 and p< 0.001), and luck readiness (β = 0.6 and p< 0.001) on employability, as an endogenous dependent variable, were statistically significant. Career adaptability was also indirectly related to employability through these variables.

In general, according to the findings of this study based on the existence of an indirect relationship between career adaptability and employability, it should be noted that in order to increase employability, it is necessary not only to pay attention to adaptability, but also to strategies for increasing job search self-efficacy, perception of complexity based on an open thinking system, and readiness for luck.