Career capital for high-value knowledge workers in a South African bank

Abstract

There has been a world-wide shift from an expectation of long-term, organisation led employment to one where knowledge workers are comfortable with driving their own careers and accruing career capital independent of the organisation. Little empirical research exists in the field of career capital. This research aims to determine the relevant components of career capital and the methods used by high - value knowledge workers to acquire their career capital. Differences in these areas, between sub-groupings, are examined, as are the reasons for future career changes. The research was conducted in a large financial institution using two phases. The first qualitative phase set out to determine valid constructs for phase two. The quantitative second phase used a structured questionnaire administered through both focus groups and electronically, with 113 high - value knowledge workers providing the data. The research findings show that high - value knowledge workers are self - monitors. They rely heavily on their emotional intelligence, social networking and a yearning for knowledge. A new model, the “symbiosis model”, has been created to facilitate a successful and symbiotic relationship between organisations and high - value knowledge workers. A set of recommendations has been provided for both.