Objective: This study investigates the causal mechanisms linking future-oriented career behaviors to career capital, specifically examining the mediating role of talent management within the Department of Environmental Protection of Tehran Province.
Methodology: Utilizing an applied, descriptive-survey design with an explanatory-causal approach, data were gathered from 242 employees through stratified random sampling. The research employed standardized instruments to measure future-oriented career behaviors, talent management, and career capital. Psychometric robustness was established via Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability (CR), and average variance extracted (AVE). Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) through SPSS and SmartPLS.
Findings: The results indicate that future-oriented career behaviors exert a significant positive direct effect on career capital. Moreover, talent management serves as a significant mediator in the relationship between future-oriented career behaviors and career capital. These findings suggest that individual proactive behaviors are effectively converted into career capital when facilitated by structured talent management processes.
Conclusion: Talent management functions as a strategic nexus that translates proactive career behaviors into tangible career-related outcomes. To foster career capital and sustainable organizational growth, institutions should integrate effective talent management practices into their human resource development frameworks.