IMPACT OF SELF-ESTEEM ON CAREER SUCCESS: THE MEDIATION ROLE OF SHAME

Abstract

Career success is a key outcome for individuals and organizations, and self-esteem is an indicator of career success. However, the emotional challenge of individuals, specifically shame, can potentially influence this dynamic. While studies have explored the relationship between career success and self-esteem, few look at the mediating role of shame, especially in Sri Lanka. This study aims to examine the impact of self-esteem on career success through the mediating effect of shame. A quantitative research design was used, and data were collected using structured questionnaires from 120 executive-level employees in the food manufacturing industry in Sri Lanka. Hypotheses were examined through linear regression analysis and mediation testing using Andrew F. Hayes's process software in SPSS. The findings validate that self-esteem has a positive strong influence on career success, confirming that individuals with higher self-esteem can achieve better work outcomes. It was also found that shame partially mediated this relationship and that individuals who were feeling shame may struggle to fully express their self-esteem in career success. The findings demonstrate the psychological complexities of career growth and suggest the hypothesis that shame may be an obstacle to mental attainment in a career. The study contributes to the existing literature by noting the importance of emotional considerations for career development in Sri Lanka. It gives practical guidelines for organizations, suggesting that organizations need to build environments conducive to self-esteem and minimizing the detrimental effects of shame. Employee well-being initiatives, mentorship schemes, and emotional resilience training can be implemented.