Effects of contextual constraints, work volition, and career adaptability on decent work conditions among young adult social workers: a moderated mediation model

ABSTRACT

Using cross-sectional data collected from 974 young adult social workers aged 21–29 from three metropolitan cities in China, namely, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou, this study examined the effects of contextual constraints, work volition, and career adaptability on decent work conditions and tests a moderated mediation model. Results showed that work volition mediated the relationship between contextual constraints and decent work conditions and that career adaptability moderated the link between work volition and decent work conditions. The indirect effect of contextual constraints on decent work conditions via work volition varied based on career adaptability, that is, the indirect effect was weaker for individuals with a higher level of career adaptability. The results of this study will inform the application and adaptation of the psychology of working theory with the lens of decent work to further promote the well-being and career development of young adult social workers.

KEYWORDS:

• Contextual constraints
• work volition
• career adaptability
• decent work conditions
• young adult social workers

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong [Grant Number #HKBU/GRF/12600819], the China National Social Science Fund [Grant Number: 19CSH063], and Shanghai Social Science Foundation [Grant Number: 2018BSH011].

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Authorship

Xuebing Su was responsible for designing the study, conducting data collection and data analysis, drafting and revising the article.

Victor Wong was responsible for supervising the study, conducting data collection, and drafting and revising the article.

Kun Liang was responsible for co-designing the study, data collection, and co-drafting the article.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding authors upon reasonable request.

Ethics approval statement & consent form

The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Hong Kong Baptist University (project code HASC/18–19/0183 approved on 25 October 2018). All participants were well informed about the objectives of the research and signed a consent form before joining the research.

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the Shanghai Social Science Foundation [2018BSH011]; Research Grants Council of Hong Kong [HKBU/GRF/12600819]; the China National Social Science Fund [19CSH063].

Notes on contributors

Xuebing Su

Dr Xuebing Su is a Research Assistant Professor at the Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Her research and publications areas include youth studies, career research and practice, workplace well-being, and organizational development.

Victor Wong

Dr Victor Wong is a Professor at the Department of Social Work, Hong Kong Baptist University. His research interest and publication areas include youth studies, career research and practice, empowerment and narrative practice, social work education, and health policy.

Kun Liang

Dr Kun Liang is an Associate Professor at the Department of Social Work, East China University of Science and Technology. His research interest and publication areas include subjective well-being of older adults and organizational study.