The Influence of Career Inaction on Task Performance: The Moderating Role of Upward Social Comparison Frequency and The Mediating Role of Self-esteem

Abstract

This study investigates the possible impacts of the new concept “career inaction” on task performance and self-esteem in work psychology, examining how the upward social comparison frequency influences this process. As task performance is regarded as the key to personal career success, the main purpose of this study is to examine whether and how career inaction affects individual task performance at workplaces. Based on the self-determination and social comparison theory, a moderated mediation model was proposed. Specifically, I tested the relationship between career inaction and task performance, with self-esteem as a mediator, and examined the moderating role of upward social comparison frequency on the relationship between career inaction and selfesteem. Through an online survey, data from 191 participants across 29 countries were analysed. Although the moderating role of upward social comparison frequency and the overall moderated mediation model were not confirmed, the negative relationship between career inaction and task performance with self-esteem as the mediator was supported. In the end, the study discussed possible theoretical explanations of results, practical implications for organisations, limitations and future directions. It enriched empirical evidence on career inaction and how it impacts people’s work.