Occupational stigma and career exploration: Testing mediation and moderation effects of Mianzi concern

This research is grounded in the Conservation of Resources theory to examine the impact of perceived occupational stigma on the career exploration of tour guides. This research examines the mediating and moderating influence of Mianzi concern in the relationship between perceived occupational stigma and career exploration. A total of 421 valid responses were gathered from full-time tour guides in China. The research employed the Partial Least Squares structural equation modelling approach. The research demonstrated that Mianzi concern mediates the relationship between perceived occupational stigma and career exploration. However, the moderating effect of Mianzi concern was not supported. This study enhances the understanding of the impact of occupational stigma and the elements that promote external career exploration, providing insights for reducing or removing occupational stigma.