Autonomous but lonely: exploring the double-edged impact of idiosyncratic deals on career sustainability

Purpose This study investigated the relationship between idiosyncratic deals and career sustainability. Based on self-construal theory and the JD-R model, the moderating role of self-construal was examined, followed by the mediating roles of work loneliness and job autonomy. Design/methodology/approach To test our hypotheses, we conducted a three-wave field study with a sample of 406 employees from high-tech firms in Beijing. Findings The results indicated that self-construal plays a critical role in the relationship between idiosyncratic deals and career sustainability. Specifically, employees with higher levels of interdependent self-construal are more likely to experience increased work loneliness when they receive idiosyncratic deals, which reduces their career sustainability. By contrast, employees with higher levels of independent self-construal are more likely to experience greater job autonomy when receiving idiosyncratic deals, thereby enhancing their career sustainability. Originality/value The study reveals the double-edged effects of idiosyncratic deals on employees' career sustainability, providing a more comprehensive perspective for research on career sustainability and its managerial implications.