Professional portfolios as catalysts for competence development and career growth: a scoping review across professions

Purpose This scoping review aims to synthesize empirical evidence on outcomes associated with the use of professional portfolios (PPs) in workplace settings, addressing a gap in understanding their role as tools for professional and career development within human resource development and organizational systems. Design/methodology/approach The authors followed the Arksey and O’Malley framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines to identify and map studies published from 2000 to 2026. Searches were conducted in Medline, Web of Science, Scopus and CINAHL. Inclusion criteria focused on primary research examining individual, professional or organizational outcomes linked to PP use in professional contexts, excluding academic and student populations. Eleven studies met the criteria. Findings PPs function as multidimensional instruments that enhance reflective learning, competency visibility, self-directed career planning and adaptive professional behavior. In healthcare and nonhealthcare contexts, PP use supports competency assessment, theory–practice integration and alignment between individual development and organizational goals. Organizational factors such as leadership support, structured feedback and integration with HR systems significantly influence effectiveness. The evidence base remains largely exploratory with limited longitudinal outcome-focused designs. Research limitations/implications Predominantly descriptive designs and small samples constrain generalizability. Longitudinal and multi-source designs are needed to assess impact on career trajectories and organizational performance. Practical implications When embedded within human resource development (HRD) and performance systems, PPs can support competency-based evaluation, career development interventions and organizational learning. Originality/value This review consolidates current evidence on PP outcomes and positions portfolios as strategic HRD tools that bridge individual professional development with organizational career systems.