The role of organisational career management: Comparing the academic staff’ perception of internal and external employability in determining success in academia

This research sought to investigate the organisation’s roles in career management. It further explores the mediating effects of perceived internal and external employability to deepen the understanding of whether academics who experienced organisational learning practices are more likely to pursue their career within the institution or across the external labour market. Data from 288 academics in Malaysian universities were collected and analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The results revealed the significant impacts of organisational learning practices on career success. Furthermore, both internal and external perceived employability mediated the relationship between organisational learning practices and career success. Also, perceived external employability having a more substantial direct and mediating effect on academics’ career success. This study uncovers that Malaysian academic staff depend upon external employment opportunities to pursue success in academia. Implications of the findings are discussed, along with the study’s limitations and future research directions.