Influences of Early Career Experiences, Occupational Group, and National Culture on Proactive Career Behavior

We know little about the influences of individual, historical, and situational characteristics on young workers' proactive career behaviors. This study examined the effects of early career experiences, occupational group membership, and national culture on proactive career behaviors, including career planning, skill development, consultation, and networking. The study analyzed data from a longitudinal cross-national study on young workers from two occupational panels. The results confirmed the cultural dependence of proactive behaviors. Moreover, employment-related early career experiences showed a positive effect on proactive skill development and consultation behaviors. Periods of unemployment-inhibited proactive career planning and networking behaviors. Additional significant contributions to skill development and consultation behaviors were found to be associated with occupational group membership. Overall, a change in hierarchical position had a positive effect on proactive career behavior.