Psychological empowerment as a criterion for adjustment to a new job

Interview data from 120 professionals and managers, collected by telephone after they experienced a job change, were matched with personality test sco res from an employment testing center. Four dimensions of psychological emp owerment (self-determination, meaning, competence, and impact) were tested as criteria, and four personality traits (achievement, endurance, locus of control, and self-esteem), measured prior to the job change, were used as p redictors. In a multiple regression analysis the personality traits account ed for 26% of the variance in overall empowerment, and locus of control eme rged as an important antecedent. Additional analyses pointed to perceived m anagerial support, sex, and rank as possible moderators. Ideas for further research and theoretical extension are discussed.