Psychological Capital and Professional Identity: A Study of Professional Business Students

Authors

  • Barry A. Cumbie University of North Alabama
  • Diane C. Kutz University of North Alabama
  • Michael A. Floren University of North Alabama

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33423/jhetp.v23i16.6457

Keywords:

higher education, professional identity, psychological capital, MBA students, imposterism

Abstract

This research article reports the results and findings of an online survey questionnaire administered to 593 Masters of Business Administration (MBA) students using the MCPIS-9 and PCQ-12 instruments that measure Professional Identity (ProfId) and Psychological Capital (PsyCap), respectively. The results indicated a strong sense of ProfId (M = 4.2/5.0, SD = 0.66, N = 593), and a significant and positive relationship (p < .01, ΔR2adj = .25, N = 593) between PsyCap and ProfId. The results of this study represent a fruitful, albeit initial, foray into the ProfId and PsyCap of professional business students. The implications of these results inform and equip program stakeholders to devise curricular and pedagogical approaches to support students’ sense of self in their career trajectory.

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Published

2023-10-13

How to Cite

Cumbie, B. A., Kutz, D. C., & Floren, M. A. (2023). Psychological Capital and Professional Identity: A Study of Professional Business Students. Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice, 23(16). https://doi.org/10.33423/jhetp.v23i16.6457

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Section

Articles