Examining the impact of work flexibility and work-related stress on the managerial aspirations of young professionals

Abstract

The growing shifts in work patterns and changing career values are defining how young professionals perceive career progression. Many prioritise flexibility and personal well-being over traditional hierarchical advancement, resulting in declining managerial aspirations. Despite the strategic importance of developing managerial talent and a leadership pipeline for organisations, there is limited research on this growing global trend among young professionals in South Africa. Using the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, the study examines how perceived resource losses associated with managerial roles influence the managerial aspirations of young professionals in South Africa. The study employed a cross-sectional design and collected data from 196 respondents using a structured quantitative online survey. The multiple regression analysis revealed that perceived resource losses negatively influence managerial aspirations, with the loss of flexibility and work-related stress being statistically significant valued resources amongst young professionals. These findings highlight the importance of work flexibility and psychological wellbeing as key resources that young professionals aim to protect while shaping their career development. The study contributes to the literature on talent management, career development, leadership, and managerial aspirations. It provides empirical evidence to guide talent management strategies and enhance organisational succession planning efforts.