Correlates of professional obsolescence among researchers

Abstract

Obsolescence setting in the employees of the organisations significantly hampers the organisational productivity. An empirical investigation of the associated factors and the efforts to minimise them help in designing strategies to deal with obsolescence and maintain optimum effectiveness of the organisation. As an attempt in this direction, the present study aimed at exploring the role of literature-suggested correlates of obsolescence in case of researchers in an Indian government organisation. The sample included 200 participants (146 males and 54 females) working as researchers in government scientific institutions with service experience ranging from two to 30 years. The participants were administered with standardised measures of obsolescence, work engagement, work motivation, resistance to change, organisational climate, human resource management (HRM) Policies and Practices, and Self Esteem. The obtained data were analysed with correlation and regression analyses. The findings revealed that in the target population obsolescence due to both organisational and individual level factors was found significantly and positively correlated with amotivation and resistance to change; whereas, negatively correlated with work engagement, organisational climate, HRM policies and practices, intrinsic motivation, and self-esteem. Regression analyses indicated that adequate recognition of efforts, better training and development, qualitative work availability (pressure), and enhanced concern to optimally maintain the intrinsic motivation and dedication of employees are significant factors for keeping check on obsolescence. The findings are explained and discussed in details.