Explaining Professional Career Growth in Occupational Safety and Health: A Career Development Perspective

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the perspectives of young safety practitioners and health officers (SHOs) regarding the progression of their professional careers. Career development theory and learning perspectives serve as the foundation for the conceptual framework. Through the self-determination theory, employees are able to self-acknowledge the career path they have selected and the tasks they have to do for their development. The framework places a significant emphasis on individual antecedents, such as career knowledge and career decision-making, as the ability to make decisions regarding one's career. Career maturity and continuous professional development (CPD) programs act as a mediating and mediator between these two characteristics at the same time. According to the concept, the perception of one's own professional advancement is the result of professional development. Occupational safety and health practice is progressively being influenced by regulatory changes, technological breakthroughs, and complex workplace dangers. It is essential for members of the occupational safety and health (OSH) community to be able to maintain their relevance in the workplace because OSH is a profession that is quickly undergoing change. For the purpose of aiding the translation of job preparation into perceptions of career advancement, continuous professional development (CPD) programs are introduced as an important component of development. The purpose of this study is to make a substantial contribution to the field of occupational safety and health literature by highlighting the vocational duties and career development obstacles that young occupational safety and health practitioners in Malaysia confront. Organisations, professional organisations, and policymakers who are looking to develop career pathways, CPD frameworks, and long-term competence sustainability in the occupational safety and health workforce can benefit from the study's theoretical and practical insights into these topics.