The role of supervisor support for strengths use in promoting perceived employability and career satisfaction

Purpose This study aims to examine how perceived supervisor support for strengths use (PSSSU) directly and indirectly facilitates career satisfaction and perceived employability as mediated by strengths use behavior. Design/methodology/approach A two-wave questionnaire survey was administered to nurses (n = 221) and analyzed using structural equation modeling. Findings Results indicated that PSSSU directly enhanced career satisfaction and indirectly enhanced perceived employability through strengths use behavior. Research limitations/implications As the sample was limited to nurses in a Japanese hospital, it is possible that the characteristics of the national culture and occupation affected the results. Practical implications Support for strengths use is important especially in stressful work environments in order to retain professional employees by enhancing their employability and career satisfaction. Originality/value This study extends the literature by identifying the different effects of PSSSU on the two types of career-related well-being. The present research is the first study to show the mediating role played by strengths use behavior in linking PSSSU to perceived employability.