Social support and career adaptability: a meta-analysis

This article presents a meticulous meta-analysis examining the relationship between social support and career adaptability, a critical aspect of navigating the modern job market. The study underscores the importance of social support in enhancing an individual's ability to manage career-related tasks, transitions, and challenges. By analyzing a wide range of studies, the research identifies various types of social support, including family, friends, colleagues, and organizational support, and their differential impacts on career adaptability. The findings reveal that while all forms of social support contribute to career adaptability, work-related supports such as co-worker, supervisory, and organizational support play a particularly significant role. The article also explores potential moderators, such as participant country, age, and measurement tools, providing a comprehensive view of how these factors influence the relationship between social support and career adaptability. The discussion highlights the theoretical and practical implications of the findings, suggesting that interventions focusing on leveraging social support can enhance career adaptability and overall career satisfaction. The study concludes by emphasizing the reciprocal benefits of social support and career adaptability, advocating for a supportive work environment that fosters both individual and organizational success.