Professional development organizations' effect on workplace engagement for financial service professionals: A between groups study.

摘要

Workplace Engagement is a developing construct in the field of career counseling. Researchers assert that engaged employees have a sense of energetic and effective connection with their work activities, thus reducing the chance of mental and physical illness. To that end, the medical and mental health communities, employers, policymakers, and educators have expressed strong interest in the positive and negative influences that affect workplace engagement. Some researchers posit that there is a positive correlation between workplace engagement and continuing education. Professional Development Organizations (PDOs) provide a delivery mechanism for continuing education. This study examined the effect PDOs have on workplace engagement. Specifically, the researcher analyzed whether significant differences existed between groups of workers who utilized PDOs for career enhancement and those who do not. The analysis did not find significant differences between the groups; however, the study revealed a multicultural component that has significant relevance for the professional counseling community. The implications of these findings are discussed.