Based on the career construction model of adaptation, this study explores the impact of core self-evaluations on career adaptability, with the mediating role of protean career attitudes and moderating role of meritocratic beliefs. The results of the questionnaire survey on 1000 Chinese college students show that: (1) core self-evaluations positively predicted college students’ career adaptability; (2) protean career attitudes mediated the relationship between core self-evaluations and career adaptability; (3) meritocratic beliefs not only moderated the effect protean career attitudes have on career adaptability but also moderated the indirect influence of core self-evaluations on career adaptability through protean career attitudes. These results extend the existing antecedent studies on career adaptability and demonstrate the importance of combining self-mobility beliefs (protean career attitudes) with social mobility beliefs (meritocratic beliefs) in the process of core self-evaluations affecting career adaptability. In conclusion, we hope to further develop the theory of career construction and provide more suggestions for college consultants and students.

In search of sustainable strategies to improve employees’ work engagement without harming their long-term performance in the VUCA era, this study examines the impact path of subordinate moqi on employees’ work engagement based on leader–member exchange theory and organizational support theory. A total of 322 R&D staff from high-tech enterprises in Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and other cities participated in the study. The data analysis reveals that the leader–member exchange partially mediates between subordinate moqi and work engagement. Moreover, both supervisor’s organizational embodiment and perceived organizational support can positively moderate the impact of subordinate moqi on leader–member exchange. The empirical results enrich the intermediary mechanism between subordinate moqi and work engagement. Employees with subordinate moqi have better chances of meeting their supervisors’ implicit expectations, leading to a higher relationship quality with followers and increasing enthusiasm for work. The current study clarifies the theoretical and practical significance of subordinate moqi in establishing high-quality work relationships and sustainable development of organizations’ human resources.