Employability, mobility and work-life balance: How do they relate for MBA holders in Malaysia?

• Published in: Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities
• Main Author: Samuel R.; Ramayah T.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universiti Putra Malaysia 2016
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84959349070&partnerID=40&md5=a482d0088d4bd32c2d8f20322db70bbc

Organisation-managed traditional career is paving the way for what is known as the new career which is self-managed. It is also known as boundaryless, protean or post-corporate career. For the former, the ultimate goal of employees was to climb the proverbial hierarchical ladder up to its highest rung. This then would spell success, which was measured by upward mobility and high income levels of the employees. For the latter, however, success encompassed being employed and remaining employable in the external and internal labour markets. Success in the new career is measured by employability, multi-directional mobility and work-life balance. The trend towards achieving success in career is summarised as gaining employability, making lateral transitions for enrichment and achieving a better and richer quality of life. This study examined the relationship between employability, mobility and work-life balance among 152 MBA graduates in Malaysia. A model that was developed was tested using the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) technique using Partial Least Squares (PLS). A positive relationship was found between employability and mobility and this relationship was stronger when work-life balance was higher. Hence, organisations should realise the high importance placed by individuals on work-life balance and would need to draw up policies and procedures to enhance this balance among the employees, including changing their inflexible corporate policies to allow for more adaptability and flexibility. The changes could include flexible work schedules, compressed work-week, job-sharing and other workplace arrangements. © Universiti Putra Malaysia Press.