The path from overqualification to success: career adaptability perspective

Perceived overqualification (POQ) has become a common experience across different workplaces. However, the present research has overlooked the circumstances in which overqualification can lead to favorable results, not to mention the career development of overqualified employees. Drawing on career construction theory, we formulate a model examining how POQ relates to subjective career success/promotability. The questionnaire survey collected data from 204 supervisor-subordinate dyads within 65 teams from three Chinese companies in Shanghai, Shandong, and Hebei provinces across three time periods. The results revealed that POQ is related to career adaptability positively when perceived supervisor support is high but negatively when it is low. Career adaptability positively affects subjective career success and promotability. The indirect effect of POQ on career-related results through career adaptability is positive when perceived supervisor support is high but negative when it is low. We analyze these findings’ potential implications in theory and practice.