Examining the role of co-worker support and occupational outcome expectancy on career regret

Purpose This paper aims to explore the mechanisms that explain the effects of physicians who feel supported by their co-workers on their professional outcome expectations and their ability to be more successful in their chosen career, in the context of Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT). Design/methodology/approach The population of the study is physicians working in hospitals in Ankara. There are 37 hospitals under the Ministry of Health in the province. A total of 5,092 physicians work in these hospitals. In this study in which questionnaire technique was used, data were collected from 400 physicians by convenience sampling method. The data obtained were analysed by means of AMOS 22.0 and SPSS 26.0 package programs. Findings As a result of the regression analyses, it was determined that physicians’ professional outcome expectancy had a positive and significant effect on career regret. In addition, it was determined that the perceived co-worker support variable did not have a moderating role effect in the relationship between physicians’ professional outcome expectancy and career regret. Research limitations/implications In this study, the moderating role of co-worker support in the effect of physicians’ professional outcome expectations on career regrets is examined. Therefore, the sampling frame is limited to physicians. Practical implications Based on the fact that professional outcome expectation and co-worker support are very important variables for individuals with career regret, it emphasises that management activities carried out in health institutions should be carried out in a way that supports the career development of employees. Originality/value The tasks that physicians perform include many challenging elements. Therefore, the support they receive from their co-workers is critically important.