How STARA Awareness Enhances Employee Career Development: A Resource Conservation Perspective

Abstract

Background: With the rapid development of smart technologies, artificial intelligence, robotics, and algorithms (STARA) bringing profound changes to individuals' career development, employees may develop concerns about their future careers, forming STARA awareness. However, the impact of STARA awareness on employees is dual-faceted. Therefore, in this context, it is crucial to explore the pathways through which STARA awareness positively influences career sustainability while mitigating its negative effects. Methods: We conducted a longitudinal study across several technology companies in China. At Time 1, we measured STARA awareness and demographic information, two weeks later, at Time 2, we measured learning motivation and career sustainability, finally, we obtained 350 valid questionnaires. Results: The results of empirical research show that: (1) STARA awareness positively affects learning motivation. (2) Learning motivation positively affects career sustainability. (3) STARA awareness positively affects career sustainability. (4) Learning motivation mediates the relationship between STARA awareness and career sustainability. Conclusion: Through empirical research, the mediating role of learning motivation between STARA awareness and career sustainability has been validated, providing new insights into career sustainability in the context of intelligent technologies and offering theoretical guidance for employees' future career development.