Career success: Exploring the relationship between competence and likability as predictors of career success

Abstract

This research examines the interaction between competence and likability as predictors of career success, focusing on the Nigerian context. Competence, which includes skills, knowledge, and job performance, is traditionally seen as essential for early career advancement. However, this study identifies likability, characterised by interpersonal skills, warmth, and relationship-building, as a critical determinant of career progression, especially at senior levels. Despite career development practitioners implicitly highlighting the significance of likability in career strategies, the issue remains underexplored in career studies. Limited research has examined the factors contributing to an individual's likability and its impact on career progression; hence, the relationship between likability and career success remains inadequately explored. The study addresses a gap in the career development literature by examining how these two factors interact to shape career trajectories. The aim of the study is to investigate how professionals perceive and experience the interaction between competence and likability across various industries, roles, and career stages. The objectives include understanding the relative importance of these determinants in career success, discerning how their influence shifts over time, and recommending strategies for individuals and organisations to leverage both for career progression. A qualitative research design was utilised, employing a multi-method approach that included a critical literature review, frame analysis, and thematic analysis. The research utilises semi-structured interviews with forty-seven (47) professionals from various public and private sector organisations in Nigeria, providing a comprehensive dataset that captures unique experiences, perceptions, and perspectives on career success. Participants were purposively chosen to reflect a variety of industries, career phases, and demographics, offering insights into the socio-cultural factors affecting career outcomes in Nigeria. The findings indicate a dynamic relationship between competence and likability. Competence is the cornerstone of early career success, with technical expertise and performance being essential. Nonetheless, likability becomes progressively crucial as individuals rise within the corporate hierarchy, affecting their access to leadership positions, promotions, and professional networks. The study emphasises that likability is not an inherent trait but a skill that can be developed through intentional practice, including enhancing communication, empathy, and adaptability. The research reveals systemic biases associated with ethnicity, religion, and gender that affect job advancement. Confronting these biases is crucial for establishing equitable opportunities and promoting inclusive organisational cultures. This study, informed by social constructivism as a philosophical paradigm, expands the theories of impression management and social capital to the realm of career success, providing a refined comprehension of how professionals manage the interaction between technical competence and interpersonal influence. From a practical standpoint, the research offers pragmatic insights for organisations. It advocates for the incorporation of interpersonal skills training within leadership development programmes, emphasising the equal importance of technical and relational competencies. Organisations are urged to cultivate settings that prioritise both competence and likability, while simultaneously enacting initiatives to alleviate workplace biases. This study’s originality lies in its examination of competence and likability as interdependent factors rather than isolated constructs, presenting a dynamic view on their evolving roles across career stages. Its value extends to scholars, practitioners, and policymakers by providing empirical evidence and actionable recommendations to improve career development practices.