Open Access

REVIEW

Core self-evaluations (CSE) and career success: Task performance and leader-member exchange (LMX) mediation effects

Xin Guo^*

School of Economics and Management, Jinzhong University, Jinzhong, 030619, China

* Corresponding Author: Xin Guo. Email:

Journal of Psychology in Africa 2025, 35(6), 825-832. https://doi.org/10.32604/jpa.2025.069822

Received 01 July 2025; Accepted 17 November 2025; Issue published 30 December 2025

Abstract

Core Self-Evaluations are linked to career success, yet the person-environment factor mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unclear. This meta-analysis (N = 135,809) synthesized the evidence on whether person task performance and LMX environment mediate the effects of CSE on career success both objective (salary) and subjective (job satisfaction) indicators. This study employed meta-analytic structural equation modeling (MASEM) to test direct and indirect pathways. Results integrating tournament theory and LMX theory show that CSE positively relates to task performance and LMX, both of which in turn relate to salary and job satisfaction. A significant sequential mediation pathway was also supported (CSE → LMX → task performance → career success). These findings highlight the dual importance of individual performance and social exchange with leaders in achieving career success and advance theory by linking tournament and LMX perspectives.

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Keywords

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Supplementary Material

Supplementary Material File

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