Reflecting on Success in Difficult Times: A Key to Enhance Proactivity and Employability

Abstract

Employability and proactivity are believed to be key factors for survival in uncertain and unpredictable environments. Despite the related importance of continuous learning, little is known how learning-related factors enhance employability and proactivity. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of reflection in enhancing perceived employability and proactive behavior in turbulent conditions, drawing on positive psychology. A two-wave survey of Japanese employees (n = 408) was conducted during a pandemic period of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Results of a structural equation model show that reflection on success had positive direct and indirect effects on perceived employability mediated through proactive behavior, while reflection on failures had no significant effect on perceived employability and proactive behavior. The findings extend prior research on employability and proactivity by examining the role of learning-related cognitive factors based on the broaden-and-build theory.