What Does That Piece of Paper Really Mean? An Inquiry Into Certification Motivation

Though under-analyzed, third-party employee competency certifications are increasing in number; many feel that accumulation of certifications is essential for career success. I argue that in their current form, certifications are double-edged: their purpose is to reduce transaction costs, enhance performance, and foster development; but they can also be used as 'credentials' to gain prestige, rewards or influence. I suggest that excessive use for this latter purpose can undermine their contribution to performance. In this study of HR practitioners that draws on Self-Determination Theory (SDT), I test the relationship between certification-seeking motivation and obtaining certification, perceived job competence, and affective occupational commitment. Hierarchical regression results show an association between autonomous motivation and both obtaining certification and commitment; however, professional association membership may also play a role in fostering such motivation. I end with suggestions for future research.

Grantor dc:publisher

Temple University. Libraries

Year dc:date.issued

2009

Author dc:creator

• Fertig, Jason

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Blau, Gary J.

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Zeitz, Gerald Joseph, 1942-
• Deckop, John Raymond
• Pred, Robert

• Business Administration, Management
• Business Administration, General
• Certification
• Human Resource Management
• Motivation
• Self-determination Theory

Statement dc:rights

• IN COPYRIGHT- This Rights Statement can be used for an Item that is in copyright. Using this statement implies that the organization making this Item available has determined that the Item is in copyright and either is the rights-holder, has obtained permission from the rights-holder(s) to make their Work(s) available, or makes the Item available under an exception or limitation to copyright (including Fair Use) that entitles it to make the Item available.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Dc Identifier Other

864884512

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarshare.temple.edu:20.500.12613/1208